The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that the inaugural “Kasangga” bilateral exercise between Filipino and Australian troops successfully concluded in Mindanao on June 24.
“The PA and the Australian Defense Force bolstered their bilateral defense partnership with the conclusion of the Philippine-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAE) ‘Kasangga’ 2025-1 at Montalvan Hall, Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on June 24,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a news statement.
Dema-ala earlier said this iteration of “Kasangga” is the first combined exercise between the two armies in Mindanao.
Held since May 19, the monthlong bilateral training involved a total of 140 personnel from the Philippine Army’s 504th Combat Engineer Battalion, Combat Engineer Regiment, and selected troops from the 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions, along with 90 Australian Army soldiers.
Exercise “Kasangga” 2025-01 featured a comprehensive program that included jungle and urban operations, breaching techniques, tactical combat casualty care, jungle survival skills, and mobility, counter-mobility, and reconnaissance operations.
“May the lessons learned, the camaraderie formed, and the confidence built in each other carry forward in all that you do. Let us nurture this alliance, institutionalize our gains, and work tirelessly to contribute in upholding the peace and stability of our region. May you continue to be resolute in our drive to improve and be better every day, or as I always say, let’s beat yesterday,” Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Rex Luis Bergante said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mark Ascough, Office of the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Australian Defense Force, expressed appreciation for the warm partnership and shared commitment of both nations in promoting peace and security.
