MORE than 300 soldiers from the Philippines, the United States, and Japan participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) training in Burgos, Ilocos Norte over the weekend.
The HADR activities were part of the Kamandag Exercises 2024 hosted by the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine ‘Makusug’ Brigade (4MBDE) in collaboration with the US Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).
A total of 256 military personnel from the Philippines saw action in the exercise, interacting with 22 troopers from the USMC and 44 from Japan.
The Exercise underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration and multinational cooperation in strengthening disaster mitigation and resilience.
The participation of local partners, including the PNP, BFP, PCG, DRRMOs and AFP Reservists, further emphasized the “Whole of Nation” approach in safeguarding the communities from calamities.
This Exercise reflects the robust partnership between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan in promoting regional security and stability through combined military exercises and Humanitarian Civic Assistance, according to Marines.
