PH, US Marines to hold annual Kamandag exercises with UK, Japan, SK

The Philippine and US Marine Corps will conduct their annual "Kamandag" exercises from May 26 to June 6 to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance military readiness.

This year's exercise, Kamandag 9, will also include contingents from the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, marking an expansion in multinational participation.

The training aims to improve interoperability and regional defense capabilities, with specific activities including CBRNE drills, maritime and special operations force exercises, and live-fire drills.

Activities will take place in various locations across the Philippines, including Fort Bonifacio, Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, and Ilocos Norte.

Col. Jason Armas of the US Marine Corps highlighted that Kamandag is a demonstration of the US-Philippine alliance's strength and commitment to regional security.

He emphasized that the exercises forge trust and prepare participating forces to respond effectively to any crisis.