SAN JOSE, Antique – Government troops are now more confident in terms of securing the countrys, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP), as a result of its joint exercise “DAGIT-PA” 05-2021 held yesterday in Patnongon, Antique.
“They will be going back to their assignments more equipped and confident,” said Major General Robert Dauz, Philippine Army (PA) commander of the Visayas Command.
As part of the “DAGIT-PA” (dagat/sea, langit/air, lupa/land), an amphibious operation was held off the coast of Patnongon.
Around 797 personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force joined the exercise aimed at strengthening their interoperability.
Before the exercise, the troops also took part in the artillery firing, close quarter battle, and military operation in urban terrain exercises at the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz on Nov. 17.
“Hopefully, our fellow Filipinos were able to see the capability of our troops in defending them and our nation whenever there is a threat,” said “DAGIT-PA” director Major General Francisco Ariel Felicidario III.
During the joint exercise, they incorporated the lessons learned during the Zamboanga and Marawi siege, Felicidario said.
Should the same situation happen, they would know what to do and they can immediately respond to restore security and peace in the country, he added.
The province of Antique was chosen for the amphibious exercise because of its long coast (15 of the province’s 18 towns are coastal municipalities), said Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID. (PNA)
