The Philippine Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) have stepped up joint training under the second phase of Exercise Salaknib, with troops conducting a series of drills aimed at strengthening battlefield coordination and interoperability.
Held across various training areas in Luzon, Salaknib Phase 2 brought together participating forces for command post exercises, combat support training, displaced civilian operations, and interoperability drills. The activities were designed to enhance the troops’ ability to respond to both conventional and emerging security threats in complex operational environments.
As part of the broader exercise, the Army’s Artillery Regiment also tested its reserve force integration concept during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable exercise at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base training grounds in Capas, Tarlac on May 13.
The regiment rolled out its Reservist Integration Concept through a first-of-its-kind Hybrid Training Model, marking the first time reserve personnel were integrated with active-duty units in the artillery component of bilateral exercises.
Under the “Total Force” framework, the participating artillery training unit was composed of 15 percent active-duty personnel and 85 percent reservists, reflecting the Army’s push to strengthen reserve readiness and expand operational capability.
The Philippine Army said Salaknib 2026 gives troops critical experience in synchronized operations while reinforcing joint capabilities among allied and partner ground forces.