FILIPINO and Australian soldiers held two days of jungle survival and combat training in Camarines Sur as part of joint exercise “Kasangga.”
Philippine Army Public Affairs chief Col. Louie Dema-ala said 47 Filipino and 50 Australian soldiers hiked eight kilometers from Barangay Tinangis in Pili town to Barangay Panicuason in Naga City, employing jungle survival tactics that include tracking techniques and patrol base operations.
“Kasangga” will end today, Nov. 8.
Dema-ala said the Australians were taught how to source water, identify edible plants and animals, and set traps.
Philippine Army trainees, meanwhile, went through jungle fighting and survival tactics in the forests of Mount Garaitan in Tanay, Rizal.
Another exercise, “Dagit-Langit Lupa,” was launched Monday featuring simulated island seizure drills at Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea.
AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said troops aboard the BRP Ramon Alcaraz used a rigid hull inflatable boat to reach the island.
A Philippine Air Force plane dropped supplies, including food and equipment, to the troops securing the island.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed the significance of the exercise in enhancing the country’s external defense capabilities.
“This exercise marks a significant step in strengthening our national defense capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights. Today, our forces demonstrate the unwavering commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea and our nation’s future,” said Brawner.
The exercise underscores the AFP’s efforts to enhance its external defense capabilities. The training also serves as a critical demonstration of the country’s firm resolve to defend our territorial integrity in the maritime areas of the West Philippine Sea.
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