Navy's Exercise 'Pagsisikap' 2023 begins in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24, 2023): Navy's Exercise 'Pagsisikap' 2023 begins in Zambo City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Exercise "Pagsisikap" 2022, Brooke's Point, Palawan (Courtesy of PH Navy)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy (PN), through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), formally opened Exercise “Pagsisikap” 2023 Saturday in this southern port city.

Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor, NFWM commander, said the Exercise Pagsisikap (exerting effort) is an annual unilateral activity conducted to sustain the Fleet-Marine Units.

“It is purposely conducted to enhance the capability of the Fleet-Marine Concept particularly in the planning and execution of amphibious operations in the littoral battle space,” Miraflor said in an interview.

Miraflor said it also aimed at testing the Amphibious Task Group concept which will be built around the Landing Dock or Landing Ship with landing force, surface connectors, aviation and special operations.

Miraflor said the exercises will be held within the area of operations of the NFWM.

He said 839 navy personnel will participate in the exercise that will end on June 28.

Exercise Pagsisikap 2023 will also involve the use of eight ships, four amphibious assault vehicles, and one aircraft.

The holding of the military exercise is coupled with the conduct of Civil Military Operation activities like medical and dental outreach mission.

Miraflor said they are targeting to serve around 1,000 beneficiaries on Sangbay Island in Hadji Muhtamad town in Basilan province.

They will also give free medicines aside from free basic services that will include haircut.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204220