DATU BLAH SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a Joint Artillery Littoral Live Fire Exercise on April 9 as part of Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025, demonstrating its growing maritime and artillery capabilities.
The drill took place in Barangay Pinansaran, showcasing the AFP’s resolve to uphold national sovereignty and coastal defense.
The exercise began with a Full Mission Profile Amphibious Assault, featuring coordinated maneuvers between the Philippine Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. Philippine Navy vessels carried troops for a simulated sea-to-shore assault, reflecting the joint force’s readiness to secure coastal zones under combat-like conditions.
Top military officials, including Western Mindanao Command Chief LtGen. Antonio Nafarrete and Joint Task Force Central Commander MGen. Donald Gumiran, attended the event, together with other high-ranking officers and local leaders. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of such exercises for regional security.
Among the showcased firepower were advanced systems such as the Philippine Army’s Elbit Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) and the Marine Corps’ 155mm and 105mm howitzers.