Filipino, Indonesian soldiers hold exercises in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines —  Combined forces of the Philippine and Indonesian militaries are conducting bilateral exercises in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesman for the Army, said the PHILINDO STRIKE IV-2024 started on Wednesday between soldiers of the 6th Infantry Division and their counterparts from the Indonesian military.

The drill, which was approved during the 29th Indonesia-Philippines Army Working Group Meeting, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two military forces.

It also aims to enhance the capabilities of both armies in territorial defense operations through brigade-level mission planning and table-top exercises.

“Both armies will focus on battlespace management, employment of owned assets and other capabilities,  and interoperability and synchronization of their assets,” Dema-ala said yesterday.

He said 20 Filipino and 16 Indonesian soldiers are participating in the training.

The military exercises will end on Sept. 2.