CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Army and the Australian Defense Force formally concluded the month-long Philippines-Australia Army-to-Army Exercise “Kasangga” 2025-1 with a closing ceremony held on June 24 at Montalvan Hall, Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag.
A total of 230 personnel took part in the bilateral training exercise, including 140 troops from the Philippine Army’s 504th Combat Engineer Battalion under the Combat Engineer Regiment, as well as select forces from the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division and 10th Infantry (Agila) Division. They trained alongside 90 Australian soldiers in a series of joint drills aimed at enhancing interoperability, building mutual trust, and strengthening defense relations.
Colonel Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training (G8), presented the participants during the ceremony. Eastern Mindanao Command Commander, Lieutenant General Luis Rex D. Bergante, led the official declaration of the exercise’s conclusion.
Lt. Gen. Bergante lauded the professionalism and cooperation displayed throughout the joint activity, emphasizing the importance of international military collaboration. “May the lessons learned, the camaraderie formed, and the confidence built in each other carry forward in all that you do,” he said. “Let us nurture this alliance, institutionalize our gains, and work tirelessly to contribute in upholding the peace and stability of our region.”
Major General Mark Ascough of the Australian Defense Force’s Office of the Chief of Defense Intelligence was among the key guests at the ceremony. He expressed gratitude for the Philippines’ warm partnership and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to shared peace and security goals.
The event also featured the awarding of plaques and recognitions to outstanding participants, as well as a symbolic exchange of patches—signifying mutual respect and the deepening of defense ties.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, echoed the message of solidarity. “This exercise stands as a testament to the friendship and mutual respect that goes beyond the boundaries of Camp Kibaritan,” he said. “We emerge from this training not only more capable, but also more resilient, and better prepared to safeguard the peace and stability of our Area of Responsibility and our nation as a whole.”
The successful completion of Exercise Kasangga 2025-1 marks another milestone in the long-standing defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia, further reinforcing both nations’ commitment to regional peace, security, and operational readiness.