Filipino and American marines will work with their counterparts from four other nations to enhance their interoperability through this year’s iteration of the “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat” or KAMANDAG 08-24 marine exercise slated from Oct. 15 to 25.
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) will be joined by participants from the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF), Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), United Kingdom Royal Marine Commandos (UKRMC), and Australian Defense Force (ADF) for the KAMANDAG exercise, which aims to strengthen the participants’ ability to work together while promoting regional security and cooperation “in pursuit of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
In addition, this year’s exercise will also feature new observer nations from the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Kor Marinir (Indonesian Marine Corps).
“The exercise enhances the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) defense and humanitarian capabilities. It provides valuable training in joint operations with foreign militaries, reinforcing our ability to respond to security challenges and protect national interests,” the PMC said on Friday, Oct. 11.
“The U.S. plays a central role as the Philippines’ key defense partner. KAMANDAG 08 allows both countries to strengthen their military relationship and work together in addressing common security concerns, while also involving other nations in shared regional goals,” it added.
The main exercise venues will be conducted across various training areas within the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) and Western Command (Wescom) joint operational areas, as well as in Manila and Cavite.
Among the key events are the combined arms littoral live fire exercise and a humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) demonstration in Ilocos Norte; amphibious assault amphibious raid, and counter-landing drills in Palawan; and a senior enlisted leader symposium at the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
“The proficiency gained in disaster response scenarios, developed through the conduct of exercises like amphibious operations, translates to an increased capability to provide swift and organized assistance during natural disasters. The Marine Corps, being a key component of disaster response efforts, can play a vital role in minimizing the impact of calamities on civilian populations,” the PMC explained.
The KAMANDAG exercise is being conducted as part of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) activities for calendar year 2024.
The PMC said that this year’s exercise will focus on the Indo-Pacific, a region marked with tense confrontations between China and other claimant-countries in the South China Sea including the Philippines, as it is a “critical region for global trade and geopolitical stability.”
“By focusing on this area, KAMANDAG 08 ensures that participating nations are prepared to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats, maintaining peace and stability for all,” the PMC said.
However, the PMC clarified that the exercise “is not directed at any specific threat.”
“Instead, it focuses on building capabilities for a wide range of challenges, including disaster response, counterterrorism, and regional security. The goal is to foster international cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” it noted.