The Philippine and Australian armies have opened the latest “Kasangga” bilateral exercise in Camarines Sur, strengthening military cooperation as the Philippine Army shifts greater focus toward external security operations.
The month-long Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise “Kasangga” 2026-1 formally began on May 25 at the 9th Infantry Division Grandstand in Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur.
Led by the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division in partnership with the Australian Army, the exercise aims to improve interoperability, command and control capabilities, and combined arms operations between the two forces.
Training activities will cover intelligence operations, movement and maneuver, fire support, civil-military operations, sustainment, medical operations, jungle warfare, and force protection.
A total of 278 Philippine Army personnel are taking part in the exercise. They come from the 83rd Infantry Battalion, 9th Division Training School, 565th Engineer Construction Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Battalion, and 21st Cavalry Company.
The Australian Army deployed 86 personnel for the training.
For the first time, the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy are also joining the Kasangga exercise, deploying 18 and 22 personnel, respectively, as the drills expand into a broader joint training activity.
Kasangga, which means “ally” or “partner” in Filipino, features training scenarios designed to test the skills of participating troops while deepening their understanding of each other’s tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The first Kasangga exercise in the Bicol Region was held in November 2024. Its successful conduct paved the way for expanded training engagements between the Philippines and Australia.
The Army said the regular bilateral exercise supports efforts to strengthen readiness, improve coordination with allies, and enhance the country’s defense posture amid evolving regional security challenges.