MARINE troops from the Philippines and the United States have launched an amphibious assault exercise in Aborlan, Palawan near the West Philippine Sea, with observers from some allied nations.
In a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) said its 3rd Marine Brigade and Combat Support Brigade, along with the Battalion Landing Team 1/5 of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) kicked off the exercise on Wednesday at Long Point in Barangay Apurawan, Aborlan.
The PMC said the exercise was part of the eighth iteration of Kaagapay ng Mandirigma sa Dagat (Kamandag 08-24) being held annually between the two countries.
Other countries participating in this iteration include Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the UK, while the French Armed Forces, Royal Thai Marine Corps, and Indonesian Kor Marinir will be observing the event.
The exercise aims “to strengthen the interoperability of the Philippines and United States’ Armed Forces while promoting regional security and cooperation,” the PMC said in a statement.
“It also serves as a platform for cooperation amongst like-minded countries in order to enhance and promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” it added.
Capt. Marissa Merie, spokesperson of the 3MBDE, said the successful amphibious assault exercise was also the result of the close coordination and support by the local government units in Palawan.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippine, US troops conduct amphibious assault exercise.”
