Teams from various Philippine Army Major Units commenced the six-day inaugural edition of the Katihan Patrol at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala stated that Katihan Patrol 2024 aims to comprehensively assess the operational capabilities of 153 personnel from different army major units through a demanding 50-kilometer patrol exercise across Bulacan’s rugged terrain.
This exercise replicates the UK’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol, during which the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) team won back-to-back Silver Medals in 2019 and 2023.
“This activity will also prepare tactical units to be on par with allied forces worldwide that participate in international military training activities and exercises,” Dema-ala emphasized.
During his keynote remarks at the ceremony, FSRR Commander Brig. Gen. Isagani O. Criste challenged the participating teams to showcase their operational excellence in various areas.
These areas include military briefing, close-quarter battle (CQB), prisoner of war (POW) handling, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense, reconnaissance patrol, river crossing, patrol base operations, call for fire procedures, land mine breaching and explosive identification, tactical combat casualty care, jungle raid, and marksmanship skills.
