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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Marines lead US, South Korea, PCG, PNP in Cavite amphibious raid training

PH Marines lead US, South Korea, PCG, PNP in Cavite amphibious raid training

Published Jun 21, 2026 10:15 am  |  Updated Jun 21, 2026 01:58 pm

At A Glance

  • Elite commandos from the Philippine Marine Corps' Force Reconnaissance Regiment led a multinational amphibious raid exercise in Ternate, Cavite under Exercise KAMANDAG 2026.
  • The drill involved forces from the United States and South Korea, as well as the Philippine Coast Guard Special Operations Force, PNP Maritime Group, and PNP Special Action Force, to enhance interoperability and amphibious warfare capabilities.
  • The exercise highlights the PMC's growing role in leading multinational military training and advancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines' territorial defense and maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
(Photo: Philippine Marine Corps)
(Photo: Philippine Marine Corps)
Elite commandos from the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) took the lead in a major display of sea-to-shore combat power on Saturday, June 20, spearheading a synchronized amphibious raid along the coast of Ternate, Cavite as part of Exercise Kamandag.
Personnel from the PMC's Force Reconnaissance Regiment trained alongside troops from the United States Marine Corps and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.
The exercise also involved members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Special Operations Force, Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, and PNP Special Action Force. Observers from Canada, Spain, and Thailand also witnessed the activity.
Major Jan P. Malana, PMC spokesperson, said participating forces rehearsed realistic mission scenarios aimed at improving tactical proficiency, rapid deployment, and coordination during amphibious operations.
The training also demonstrated the ability of participating units to integrate their capabilities during joint missions, and underscored the importance of interoperability among military, law enforcement, and maritime security organizations amid evolving challenges in the maritime domain, he added.
Further, Malana highlighted the growing role of the PMC in hosting and leading multinational exercises as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to strengthen its territorial defense and maritime security capabilities.
The annual KAMANDAG exercise, which stands for “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat” (Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea), serves as the flagship drill for the PMC, bringing together local and foreign forces for training in maritime security, territorial defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and combat operations.
Originally a bilateral engagement with the US, the PMC has progressively scaled the exercise into a premier multilateral framework.
The current iteration positions the PMC at the center of joint training with key regional allies, shifting focus heavily toward territorial defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Related Tags

Philippine Marine Corps United States South Korea PCG PNP Kamandag
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