The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) on Sunday formally opened KAMANDAG 10-2026, bringing together allied and partner forces in a large-scale joint exercise at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown.
The exercise includes troops from the Philippines and the United States, along with contingents from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), while Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Thailand are participating as observers.
Conducted across Northern and Central Luzon, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, Manila, and Cavite under the MDB-SEB framework, the exercise focuses on maritime and amphibious operations aimed at improving interoperability and joint readiness.
Brig. Gen. Bob R. Apostol, exercise director, said the exercise reflects the evolution of KAMANDAG into a broader multinational platform.
“Exercise KAMANDAG marks its 10th iteration, evolving from bilateral engagement into a premier multinational platform built on trust, cooperation, and collective resolve.”
U.S. Marine Corps Col. George Flynn of Marine Rotational Force–Darwin 26 said the exercise supports allied defense priorities.
“Operating collectively alongside our Philippine Marine Corps brothers and sisters, we are here to directly support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Flynn said.
He added the drills will focus on territorial defense, coastal operations, and interoperability across dispersed training areas.
Officials said the exercise underscores continued defense cooperation and readiness among Indo-Pacific partners.