The Philippine Army, together with the United States Army and partner forces from Japan and Australia, formally concluded Exercise Salaknib 2026 during a closing ceremony held on June 18, 2026 at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados, speaking on behalf of Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, expressed gratitude to all soldiers, commanders, planners, and support personnel who contributed to the success of the exercise.
Maj. Gen. Morados said the months-long drills enhanced interoperability among the Philippine Army, US Army, Australian Army, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The training covered a wide range of activities, including foundational training activities (FTA), Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercises, and operational maneuver training.
He noted that Salaknib, which means “shield” in Ilokano, reflects the enduring Philippine–US alliance by strengthening combined warfighting capabilities, validating operational concepts, and improving coordination among allied and partner forces.
Morados added that this year’s iteration of Salaknib underscored the growing importance of multinational cooperation through combined arms operations, mission command integration, sustainment rehearsals, humanitarian assistance activities, and information sharing.
The Philippine Army reiterated its commitment to developing world-class, multi-mission-ready, and cross-domain-capable ground forces in support of its Land Defense Concept and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.