Joint PH, Japanese, US forces kick off military exercise with humanitarian aspect

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 11): Joint PH, Japanese, US forces kick off military exercise with humanitarian aspect

Combined Philippine, Japanese and United States forces have kicked off with the humanitarian aspect of the second “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat” (KAMANDAG) military exercise through the renovation of a high school and two daycare centers in Ternate, Cavite.

In a statement on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Manila said engineering and construction projects will take place at three different sites in Ternate to improve local infrastructure and strengthen ties with Philippine communities.

Considered as a preparatory part of the exercise, the official KAMANDAG 2, is scheduled for October 1-10, 2018.

This year’s KAMANDAG 2 will also see the participation of Japanese forces.

While in Ternate, US and Philippine military medical teams will also teach hundreds of Ternate residents about lifesaving skills, disease prevention, and dental hygiene.

According to the Embassy, exercises like KAMANDAG 2 strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

“The goal of KAMANDAG 2 is to increase counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges,” it said.

The first KAMANDAG exercise was conducted in October 2017 at multiple locations in Luzon.

“The purpose of this Philippines-led military exercise is to conduct bilateral exchanges between Philippine and U.S. forces. Exercise training will enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Philippines and the U.S., consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement, as we continue our commitment to share information and provide support to each other throughout a range of military operations,” the US Marines said on its official website.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/11/joint-ph-japanese-us-forces-kick-off-military-exercise-with-humanitarian-aspect/