The Philippine Army and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) are conducting a series of real-world scenario exercises in the Visayas as part of the ongoing Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) Kasangga 2025.
The joint drills, held at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. and the Combat Readiness Training Area-Visayas in Jamindan, Capiz, bring together 171 Philippine Army troops from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and 90 Australian soldiers.
The monthlong training began on October 4 and will culminate on November 9.
These exercises simulate real-world operational conditions, including mortar gunnery, medical and combat stress response, drone operations, casualty collection and personnel search, and coastal defense maneuvers such as small-boat insertion and extraction.
MGen. Michael Samson, Commander of the 3ID, highlighted the importance of the joint drills in strengthening defense ties and regional preparedness.
“This training is not just about tactics and firepower. It’s about building trust, understanding each other’s capabilities, and preparing together for any contingency that may arise,” MGen. Samson said.
Named after the Filipino word for “ally” or “partner,” Kasangga aims to improve the readiness of both forces in responding to regional security challenges.
