Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 3) – Troops from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and South Korea will conduct a series of joint training exercises titled KAMANDAG 7 throughout Luzon, including Batanes; Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan on Nov. 9-20, officials said.
The name KAMANDAG comes from the phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which means “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea.”
Observers from the United Kingdom will also attend the seventh iteration of the annual training exercises led by the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps.
“During KAMANDAG 7, participating forces will conduct humanitarian aid and disaster relief training to include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training operations, littoral search and rescue, coastal defense training, and amphibious operations; conduct medical subject matter expert exchanges; and participate in staff integration events along the eastern and northern coasts of the Philippines,” the US Marine Corps said in a statement issued Friday.
Around 950 Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, 850 US Marines, and troops of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Republic of Korea Marines will take part.
“When you talk about dedication to shared regional security, stability, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, KAMANDAG is just that.” US Col. Thomas M. Siverts, commanding officer for Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) said, adding that this year’s exercise is historic.
“One reason is our continued strengthening alliance reflected in the sheer scope of this year’s exercise,” Siverts said.
The MRF-SEA based in California is leading U.S. Marine forces in this year’s military drills.
