The Philippine Army and the Australian Army formally concluded the Philippines–Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) “Kasangga” 2026-1 during a closing ceremony on June 19, 2026, at Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur.
Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados served as keynote speaker during the ceremony. He emphasized that Exercise “Kasangga” advanced the shared regional objectives of the Philippines and Australia by enhancing capabilities to protect, deploy, sustain, and employ combat power across multiple domains.
“We train not only to improve individual and unit proficiency, but also to strengthen our capacity to operate as an integrated force,” Morados said.
About 300 Philippine Army personnel took part in the exercise, including units from the 83rd Infantry Battalion, the 9th Division Training School (9DTS), the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion, the 9th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 21st Cavalry Company.
Around 90 Australian Army delegates also participated in the bilateral activity. For the first time, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy joined the exercise, expanding the representation of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Major Service Units.
The exercise underscored strengthened interoperability among participating forces and their shared commitment to regional stability.
The Philippine Army said the engagement with local and international partners reinforces collective capacity to deter aggression, respond to crises, and contribute to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.