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Manila Bulletin devider devider PH, US, Japan kick off 'Kamandag 3' on Wednesday

PH, US, Japan kick off 'Kamandag 3' on Wednesday

Published Oct 8, 2019 04:37 pm

By Martin Sadongdong 

The militaries of the Philippines, United States, and Japan will officially start the third annual "Kamandag" exercises on Wednesday in Subic, Zambales.

Philippines and US conduct a counterterrorism amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 2. (US Embassy / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Philippines and US conduct a counterterrorism amphibious landing during KAMANDAG 2.
(US Embassy / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Lieutenant General Ramiro Rey, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom), will serve as the Guest of Honor and Speaker in the opening ceremony at the Subic International Airport, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo City.

"Kamandag" is a Philippine-led bilateral exercise with the US. It is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat" which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea." It will run from Oct. 9 to 18, 2019.

Captain Felix Serapio Jr., Philippine Marine Corps public affairs chief, said the exercise seeks to develop the participating countries' military interoperability.

Around 1,400 US forces from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 600 soldiers from the Philippine Marines and Navy will participate in this year's exercises.

Some 100 troops from the Japan Ground Self Defense Force were also invited to join in the amphibious operations, training on humanitarian and disaster response, and staff exercises.

"The objective of this exercise is to enhance our capabilities. This will be the first time na gagamitin natin 'yung sariling atin na (that we will use our very own) AAVs )," Serapio said.

"It will be a building of friendly alliances and developing our cooperation as stakeholders to regional peace and development dito sa (here in) Southeast Asia," he added.

AAVs are highly mobile, tracked armored amphibious vehicles that transport Marines and cargo to and through a hostile territory.

Eight new AAVs were recently acquired by the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the first four units commissioned last June 17 while the second batch of four were commissioned on September 16.

The participating troops will also conduct low-altitude air defense training and threat reaction training for the first time.

Aside from amphibious operations, Kamandag 3 will also have a live-fire training, urban operations, counter-terrorism response operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Read more: Japanese military joins US, PH troops in joint exercises

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