• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) officially launched on Wednesday the Philippines–Australia Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) “KASANGGA: 2025-02” during an opening ceremony held at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
The ceremony was attended by Major General Efren F. Morados, Vice Commander of the Philippine Army, and Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, 3ID Assistant Division Commander, Australian Defense Attache, Capt (RAN) Emma McDonald-Kerr, and participating troops from both forces.
Hundreds of soldiers from the 3ID and ADF are set to engage in a series of joint exercises and training activities over the course of 31 days, aimed at strengthening interoperability, enhancing tactical capabilities, and fostering camaraderie between the two allied armies.
According to a statement issued by 3ID, the exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and combined capabilities of both armies through synchronized operations and joint training. Participants will refine their skills in the use of drones, boats, and various defense weapons.
The program also emphasizes teamwork, medical response, and mission planning under unified command structures. Ultimately, the goal is to foster stronger military cooperation and deepen the strategic partnership between the Philippine Army and the Australian Defense Force.
This marks the second iteration of the PAAAE for the year, with the first iteration held in Mindanao, and its opening ceremony at Camp Evangelista in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on May 19.
Maj Gen. Morados, in his message, highlighted the significance of the KASANGGA 2025-02 as a testament to the shared commitment of both forces to regional peace, mutual defense, and professional excellence.
“These exercises strengthen not just interoperability but trust, understanding, and friendship between our soldiers. Australia has long been a trusted partner of the Philippines, always ready to lend a helping hand in times of need,” Morados, a former commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, in Negros Occidental, said.
On the other hand, McDonald-Kerr stressed the importance of joint exercises in fostering mutual understanding and unity, as she emphasized that the joint training is not only about the emerging security challenges the region is facing, but also about understanding how to confront and respond to those challenges.
Escanillas highlighted the value of connecting two distinct forces as a source of regional strength, particularly in standing together against any storm that may arise.
He also noted that the collaboration between the two nations directly supports the Philippine Army’s vision of becoming a world-class, multi-mission-ready, and cross-domain-capable force.
“Through exercises like these, we transform our organization—from being strong as individuals to becoming excellent as a collective; from being reactive to becoming proactive; from national defenders to becoming regional partners,” Escanillas added.*
