Cagayan de Oro City – May 19, 2025
In a continued effort to bolster defense cooperation and regional security, the Philippine Army and the Australian Army formally opened the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise (PAAAE) ‘Kasangga’ 2025-01 today at Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
The opening ceremony was led by Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, along with Major Lachan Newham, Coordinator of the Australian Training Team, and Major Brendan Xenos, Commander of the Australian Army contingent.
A total of 230 personnel—90 from the Australian Army’s 1st Combat Engineer Regiment and 140 from the Philippine Army’s 4ID, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, and 504th Combat Engineer Battalion—will participate in the month-long exercise from May 19 to June 24 at Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
The bilateral military exercise, held under the banner “Kasangga” (Partner), is designed to enhance interoperability between the two armies. Training will cover a wide array of warfighting functions, including urban operations, jungle warfare and survival, combat tracking, tactical casualty care, and intelligence and reconnaissance operations.
“This exercise is not only timely, but essential,” said Maj. Gen. Anayron in his keynote speech. “As we gradually shift from internal to external security operations, joint training strengthens our capacity to respond to terrorism and other global threats. It ensures our soldiers remain agile, informed, and mission-ready in a rapidly evolving security landscape.”
The exercise also underscores the growing defense relationship between the Philippines and Australia, highlighting both nations’ commitment to regional peace and security.
Following the formal ceremonies, Filipino and Australian troops shared a traditional boodle fight, a symbolic feast that fosters unity and camaraderie—a fitting start to a month of shared learning, trust-building, and military cooperation.
‘Kasangga’ 2025-01 is expected to reinforce mutual readiness in responding not only to conventional threats but also to humanitarian crises and natural disasters, reflecting the broader scope of modern military partnerships.