The Philippine Army (PA) partnered with counterparts from Australia while the Philippine Navy (PN) worked with fellow comrades-in-arms from Brunei to build their capabilities and readiness through the conduct of two separate exercises dubbed as “Kasangga” and “Seagull”.
The Philippine Army-Australian Army Exercise (PAAAE) Kasangga 2024-2 kicked off at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur on Monday, Oct. 14.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said that 216 Filipino and 50 Australian soldiers are participating in the inaugural combined training exercise between the two forces in the Bicol region until Nov. 8.
“Exercise Kasangga aims to enhance the skills and bolster the interoperability of both armies in various war-fighting functions,” Dema-ala said.
He said that the combined exercise covers critical areas such as urban operations, close combat techniques, combat shooting, and tactical casualty care.
He said soldiers will also undergo training in explosive assault breaching, cybersecurity operations, mortar gunnery with forward observers, and Civil-Military Operations (CMO) exchanges.
The first phase of the Kasangga exercise was held from May to June.
Seagull
Meanwhile, the Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Seagull officially concluded at the Muara Naval Base in Brunei Darussalam last week.
Capt. Glenn Dizon, commander of the Naval Task Group 84, said that the MTA Seagull is a bilateral exercise between the PN and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).
He said the sea phase of the exercise was the centerpiece of Seagull where both navies showcased their advanced operational capabilities through a series of critical at-sea serials designed to enhance combined readiness and collaboration.
This included the Mine Transit Exercise (Mintranex) where both navies tested their ability to navigate through mine-infested waters; Maneuvering Exercise (Manex) and Screening Exercise (Screenex) which emphasized complex ship formations and protective tactics.
The PN and RBN also conducted Plotting Exercise (Plottex) which sharpened their operational decision-making and navigation; and Surface Exercise (Surfex) and Gunnery Exercise (Gunnex) which focused on the precision engagement of surface threats.
Further, Dizon said that the elite Navy SEAL teams from both countries also conducted a combined Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation which reinforced their capacity to counter piracy, smuggling, and other illicit activities to enhance maritime security — a priority for maintaining stability in vital sea lanes.
“With this Exercise Seagull, I hope that we learn valuable knowledge and training that will allow us to maintain our operational readiness through the constant conduct of exercise together as one,” Capt. Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal, fleet commander of RBN, said.
Overseas Filipinos in Brunei also got the chance to board and tour PN ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), which participated in the exercise, during the “Open Ship Day”.
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Marian Jocelyn I Tirol-Ignacio led Filipino spectators as they were showcased with the modern capabilities of the Del Pilar-class frigate.