(Manila, 25th) The Philippine and Australian armed forces officially concluded the inaugural bilateral 'Kasangga' joint military exercise on Tuesday (June 24) in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao.
Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala stated in a declaration on Wednesday that, 'In the first session of the 2025 'Kasangga' exercise (PAAE Kasangga 2025-1), the Philippine Army and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have strengthened bilateral defense cooperation. The graduation ceremony was held at Montalvan Hall, Evangelista Camp, Cagayan de Oro City.'
This month-long exercise began on May 19, involving 140 Philippine Army soldiers—including personnel selected from the 504th Combat Engineer Battalion, the Engineer Regiment, as well as the 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions—and 90 Australian Army soldiers.
The exercise modules covered jungle and urban warfare, assault and obstacle breaching drills, combat casualty emergency care, jungle survival training, maneuver and counter-maneuver warfare, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering exercises.
Lieutenant General Reuben Rex Luis B. Basiao, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said in his speech, 'May the experiences, friendships, and mutual trust gained from this exercise continue to guide us in future missions. We must uphold this alliance, institutionalize the outcomes, and continue our efforts to contribute to regional peace and stability. May you strive to improve every day, as I often say—always surpass yesterday.'
Australian Defence Department Intelligence Office Major General Mark Ascough also attended the event and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic cooperation extended by the Philippines, emphasizing that both sides will continue to be committed to peace and security.
Dema-ala noted that this training is not only an important milestone in bilateral military cooperation but also symbolizes the common commitment of the Philippines and Australia as strategic partners in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is worth mentioning that the Philippine Army held two previous 'Kasangga' exercises last year, in northern Luzon and the Bicol region respectively.
'Kasangga' means 'ally' or 'partner' in Filipino. This exercise aims to test and enhance the participating troops' operational capabilities through realistic scenario simulations, while deepening mutual understanding and coordination in tactics, techniques, and operational procedures.
Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala stated in a declaration on Wednesday that, 'In the first session of the 2025 'Kasangga' exercise (PAAE Kasangga 2025-1), the Philippine Army and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have strengthened bilateral defense cooperation. The graduation ceremony was held at Montalvan Hall, Evangelista Camp, Cagayan de Oro City.'
This month-long exercise began on May 19, involving 140 Philippine Army soldiers—including personnel selected from the 504th Combat Engineer Battalion, the Engineer Regiment, as well as the 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions—and 90 Australian Army soldiers.
The exercise modules covered jungle and urban warfare, assault and obstacle breaching drills, combat casualty emergency care, jungle survival training, maneuver and counter-maneuver warfare, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering exercises.
Lieutenant General Reuben Rex Luis B. Basiao, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said in his speech, 'May the experiences, friendships, and mutual trust gained from this exercise continue to guide us in future missions. We must uphold this alliance, institutionalize the outcomes, and continue our efforts to contribute to regional peace and stability. May you strive to improve every day, as I often say—always surpass yesterday.'
Australian Defence Department Intelligence Office Major General Mark Ascough also attended the event and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic cooperation extended by the Philippines, emphasizing that both sides will continue to be committed to peace and security.
Dema-ala noted that this training is not only an important milestone in bilateral military cooperation but also symbolizes the common commitment of the Philippines and Australia as strategic partners in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is worth mentioning that the Philippine Army held two previous 'Kasangga' exercises last year, in northern Luzon and the Bicol region respectively.
'Kasangga' means 'ally' or 'partner' in Filipino. This exercise aims to test and enhance the participating troops' operational capabilities through realistic scenario simulations, while deepening mutual understanding and coordination in tactics, techniques, and operational procedures.