This was as the 7th iteration of the Kamandag bilateral exercise between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially commenced yesterday.
“For the PN, it is imperative that our forces actively participate in such training endeavors to upgrade and develop our capabilities toward fully realizing our vision to become a modern and multi-capable naval force,” Navy Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said in his speech during the exercises’ opening ceremonies in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The annual drills would run until Nov. 17 in various locations in Luzon and Mindanao.
A total of 2,749 military personnel will participate in the exercises, of whom 1,732 are from the Philippine Marines Corps, Marine Reservist, Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, Naval Special Operations Command, Philippine Airforce, and Philippine Army.
Some 902 will come from the US Marine Corps, 57 from the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, 50 from Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, and eight from the United Kingdom Armed Forces.
“By actively engaging in military-to-military training, we also reaffirm our commitment to achieving the highest levels of proficiency and operational readiness of our forces so we can contribute significantly to our maritime nation’s overall defense posture,” Adaci noted.
He said the annual exercises between the PMC and the USMC is more than just a routine military exercise.
“This is a demonstration of the strength and resilience of the partnership between the Philippines and the US, as well as our alliance with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the UK,” Adaci said.
“The exercise “is purposefully designed to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability among participating forces, with a specific focus on improving capabilities in special operations, coastal defense, HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) operations, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense) support, all in line with operationalizing the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept,” Adaci said. Vince Lopez
PH commitment to regional security
Meanwhile, PMC commandant Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas said “Kamandag” shows the country’s commitment to achieving “regional readiness” and contributes to a secure and stable environment.
“We showcase our ability to work side by side in pursuit of our shared objectives. Together, we send a powerful message to the world, especially to those who may seek to disrupt the peace: that our partnership is unbreakable, our resolve unyielding, and our commitment to defending our nations is always unwavering,” he added.
Rojas also said “Kamandag” has been an excellent platform for the PMC to deepen its understanding of its allies’ capabilities. — Vince Lopez
Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
