Elite troops from the Philippine Marine Corps will collaborate with forces from the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia for the “Kamandag 08-24” exercises scheduled to take place from Oct. 15 to 25.
The PMC and the US Marine Corps are the primary participants in the drills, which stand for “Kaagapay ng Mga Mandirigma ng Dagat.”
Additional participants include the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, UK Royal Marine Commandos, and the Australian Defense Force.
These drills are part of activities organized by the Mutual Defense Board – Security Exchange Board, which consist of security officials from both the Philippines and the United States.
The exercises will occur across various training areas within the Northern Luzon Command and Western Command Joint Operational Areas, as well as in Manila and Cavite.
The exact number of participating troops has not yet been confirmed. Planned activities for “Kamandag” include combined arms littoral live-fire exercises in Burgos, Ilocos Norte; a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief demonstration also in Burgos; amphibious assault, raid, and counter-landing exercises in Aborlan and Rizal, Palawan; and a symposium for senior enlisted leaders at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Foreign troops to join Philippine marines in ‘Kamandag’ drills.”
