Philippines, Australia begin military drills
MANILA, Philippines — More than 400 Filipino and Australian soldiers are now locked in a month-long joint training exercise in the country under this year’s “Kasangga 2026-1” bilateral training activity.
Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise opened on Monday following a ceremony at the 9th Infantry Division Grandstand at Camp Elias Angeles in San Jose in Pili, Camarines Sur.
In partnership with the Australian Army, the exercise aims to strengthen interoperability among participants.
About 278 Philippine Army soldiers, 86 Australian Army personnel, 22 Philippine Navy and 18 Philippine Air Force members are joining the exercise, Dema-ala said.
The first Kasangga exercise was held in November 2024 in the Bicol Region, he recalled.
Dema-ala said the exercise supports the Philippine Army’s shift to external security operations.
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