EXERCISE 'KASANGGA'. Troops of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division and Australian Army gather for a group photo during the opening ceremony of Exercise 'KASANGGA' 2024-2 at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur on Monday (Oct. 14, 2024). The drills cover critical areas, such as urban operations, close combat techniques, combat shooting, and tactical casualty care. (Photo courtesy of the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
MANILA – Members of the Philippine Army (PA) and Australian Army formally kicked off this year's second edition of the four-week Exercise "KASANGGA" in Camarines Sur province on Monday, focusing on specialized land warfare activities.
In a statement Tuesday, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the drills cover critical areas, such as urban operations, close combat techniques, combat shooting, and tactical casualty care.
Participating troops will also undergo training in explosive assault breaching, cybersecurity operations, mortar gunnery with forward observers, and civil-military operations exchanges.
"The Philippine Army - Australian Army Exercise (PAAAE) ‘KASANGGA’ 2024-2 is the inaugural combined training exercise between Filipino and Australian ground troops in the Bicol Region. A total of 266 participants, composed of 216 PA personnel and 50 Australian Army personnel, are participating in the said combined exercise scheduled from Oct. 14 to Nov. 8, 2024," Dema-ala said.
He added that troops from the PA's 9th Infantry Division would join the drills, which will be staged at the unit's headquarters in Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur.
Exercise "KASANGGA" aims to enhance the skills and bolster the interoperability of both armies in various warfighting functions.
The PA's 5th Infantry Division in Isabela hosted the first iteration of the combined exercise for this year from May to June. (PNA)
