ZAMBOANGA CITY- Kalasag Zamboanga City, an Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations Exercise (IATDO-E) was launched on Monday, August 10, at the Zamboanga City Hall grounds.
Participants in the Kalasag Zamboanga City inter-agency territorial defense operations exercise (IATDO-E) are shown during the launch of the Kalasag Zamboanga City at the City Hall grounds. (Naval Forces WM photo)
The exercise, with the theme “One City, One Mission, One Purpose” aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination and government response for territorial defense, disasters and calamities and crisis management.
The main exercises are scheduled starting August 20 at the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zambo Ecozone) in Barangay San Ramon.
Participants in the Kalasag Zamboanga City inter-agency territorial defense operations exercise (IATDO-E) are shown during the launch of the Kalasag Zamboanga City at the City Hall grounds. (Naval Forces WM photo)
Drills throughout the week-long exercise will feature various scenarios such as boat explosions, island occupation, and simulated bombing operations participated in by an estimated 1,000 personnel from the Philippine Navy, Air Force, Marines, PNP, the Zamboanga local government and other participating agencies.
Rear Adm. Constancio Reyes, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said the exercise is aimed at strengthening inter-agency preparedness and preventing untoward incidents by allowing participating units to rehearse their response to possible threats and emergencies.
The IATDO-E is an initiative of the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade based on a resolution passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council.
The activity in Zamboanga City will be conducted following “Kalasag ZamPen” in Zamboanga Sibugay.