AFP closes 2023 DAGITPA exercises

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially closed Friday its joint exercises dubbed as Dagat-Langit-Lupa (DAGITPA).

In a closing ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., represented by Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino, congratulated the AFP for the success of the exercises.

“I warmly congratulate everyone who has made this exercise a success,” Teodoro said in a speech read by Espino.

“The AFP has taken another definitive step towards enhancing our external defense operations capabilities. Now more than ever we are keen on significantly improving our capabilities to protect our interest, sovereignty, and country,” he added.

Asked about the areas to be improved for the next training, 2023 DAGITPA spokesperson Colonel Mike Logico said the conduct of exercises in Northern Luzon was challenging.

“The area up in Northern Luzon is very challenging because the weather and sea state factors make not only maneuvering through our territorial waters very challenging, it is also challenging for air component and land component,” Logico told reporters.

“We are taking a long hard look at it and we will see how we can improve,” he added.

DAGITPA, which started on November 6, aims to enhance the military's capability and interoperability in responding to threats to national security.

It is also designed to boost AFP’s tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News