Over 1,000 troops to take part in DAGIT-PA joint service exercises

More than 1,500 troops from the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force will undergo joint exercises which aim to ensure interoperability among the military's major services.

The opening ceremony for the Armed Forces of the Philippines “DAGIT-PA” (Dagat-Langit-Lupa) 03-2019 was held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday. It was graced by Brigadier General Francisco Mendoza Jr., the AFPs' Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training.

The training, which will focus on command post exercise, joint interoperability events and cyberdefense exercise, will take place at the Naval Education and Training Center (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales and in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija from September 16 to 27.

"Let me underscore the importance of this joint exercise. In case of threat from external aggression, of course we expect help coming from our allies who have committed support to the defense of the country," Mendoza said in his speech.

"But, the Armed Forces of the Philippines are the first responders in this situation. So, we should be prepared to address any kind of threats that would threaten our country, whether it will be internal or external or 'yung isang dini-discuss natin for this exercise, which is cyber," he added.

Balikatan Pinoy Version

According to Commodore Adeluis Bordado, DAGIT-PA's exercise director, the joint military training of the major services is somehow similar to the Balikatan exercises between Filipino and American soldiers.

He noted that the exercise would test the capability of Filipino soldiers in accomplishing a mission.

Commodore Adeluis Bordado, director of DAGIT-PA exercise, said on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, that the DAGIT-PA  joint exercises is somehow similar to the Balikatan exercises between Filipino and US soldiers. Anna Felicia Bajo

"Balikatan kasi palaging US 'yan eh. Ito naman, buong Armed Forces of the Philippines. Wala tayong kasama dito. 'Yun lang three major services ng Sandatahang Lakas," Bordado said in an ambush interview with reporters.

"Dapat tayong magsimula sa sarili nating defense kasi tayo ang first responder. Kung sakaling may umatake man, tatlong major services 'yung magre-respond, sasalubong sa kung sino mang kaaway," Bordado said.

He added that the Philippine Navy's most powerful ship, the BRP Conrado Yap, would be tested during the exercise together with some amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs).

The AFP's joint exercise officially started in 2017. The Marawi siege led to the inclusion of the Army and the AFP Special Operations units in the training. Previously, only forces from the Navy and the Air Force participated in the exercises. —KG, GMA News