By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
Filipino and Australian soldiers in this year’s “KASANGGA” exercise trained for jungle survival and held combat tracking drills on the slopes of Mount Isarog in Camarines Sur, the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.
PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, in a statement, said 47 Filipino and 50 Australian army personnel trekked 8 km. from Barangay Tinangis in Pili to Barangay Panicuason in Naga City, practicing jungle survival, tracking techniques, and patrol base operations from Nov. 4 to 5.
“Filipino troops and their Aussie counterparts sourced water, identified edible plants and animals, and set traps, which they checked the following day,” he added.
Dema-ala said Australian Army participants expressed appreciation for the skills they learned from the exercise that began Oct. 14 and ends Nov. 8.
About 266 Filipino and 50 Australian soldiers are participating in “KASANGGA,” which aims to enhance the skills and bolster the interoperability of both armies in warfighting exercises.
‘DAGIT-PA’ exercise
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that units taking part in the ongoing “Dagit-Langit-Lupa” (DAGIT-PA) simulated an island seizure exercise on Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 6.
During the drills, the offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) approached Kota Island, while its rigid hull inflatable boats carrying troops approached the island’s beach.
“The personnel carried out a mechanized assault to reclaim the island while the Philippine Air Force’s NC-212i (aircraft) later provided logistical support by dropping essential supplies, including food and equipment, to the troops securing the island,” the AFP said.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the exercise enhances the country’s external defense capabilities.
“This exercise marks a significant step in strengthening our national defense capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights. Today, our forces demonstrate the unwavering commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea and our nation’s future,” he said.
“DAGIT-PA” is scheduled from Nov. 4 to 15.