
The Philippine Army (PA) and Australian Army opened a month-long bilateral military exercise in Gamu, Isabela on Monday, May 13, to enhance the capability of both countries' soldiers to operate together in various operations.
The "Kasangga" Exercise 24-1 involved 100 personnel from PA's 5th Infantry Division (5ID) and 50 members of Australian Army. The opening ceremony was held at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu.
The troops will train side-by-side on reconnaissance, mortar, drone operations, logistics, signal operations, jungle and urban, tactical combat casualty care and breaching operations.
It also includes the sharing of experiences between the 5ID and the Australian Army troops in combating terrorist groups.
Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco, 5ID assistant division commander, said the bilateral training not only strengthens the military ties of the Philippines and Australia but also helps Filipino soldiers in acquiring best practices with their Aussie counterparts.
Maj. Michael Cracknell, of the Joint Australian Training Team-Philippines (JATT-P) and coordinator of the Australian Embassy in Manila; and Maj. Lindsay Pritchard, 1st Battalion Commanding Officer, led the Australian Army contingent during the opening ceremony.
The training will culminate on June 21.