07-06-2025
PH, US conclude Kamandag exercise 2025
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially concluded the Kamandag Exercise for 2025.
The event marked the culmination of the bilateral training that brought together Philippine and U.S. forces, along with other key partners, in a unified effort to enhance cooperation and mission effectiveness.
This year's Kamandag Exercise was also participated by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and United Kingdom Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Bahrain, Canada, and New Zealand served as observers.
'KAMANDAG — Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat — is more than just a military exercise. It is a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and our allies, most notably the United States Marine Corps,' said Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete during theclosing ceremony.
Among the exercises featured in this year's Kamandag are the following:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRN) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)
Senior Enlisted Leaders Symposium (SELS)
Maritime & Special Operation Forces events
Live Fire Integration
Maritime Strike
Counter-Landing/Defensive Retrograde Operation
Special Operating Forces Strike
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
'As we close this chapter, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the relationships strengthened, and the unity reinforced throughout KAMANDAG 09-2025,' Nafarrete said.
'Let us continue to train together, build together, and stand ready together — as warriors not only for national defense, but for peace and humanitarian service,' he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
