PH, Australia close Exercise ALON 2025 with stronger ties, shared resolve for peace

The Philippine Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on Friday officially concluded their Exercise ALON 2025 through a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a statement, the AFP said Exercise ALON 2025 was held in different sites in Palawan, Nueva Ecija, and within the waters of West Philippine Sea (WPS) from August 15 to 29.

Among the major activities were amphibious operations, naval and air interoperability drills, maritime security operations, and combined live-fire exercises.

A total of 3,600 personnel from the AFP, ADF, United States Marine Corps, and the Royal Canadian Navy joined the exercise.

Aside from combat training, the AFP said the Philippine and Australian militaries also joined humanitarian and disaster response activities, community relations projects, and cultural exchanges.

According to the AFP, Exercise ALON 2025 aims to enhance interoperability, joint force projection capabilities, and multi-domain operations of the two countries.

The exercise reinforces the AFP's commitment to regional security cooperation, defense readiness, and capacity-building. Its first iteration was conducted in 2023 as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor.

Representing AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. in the ceremony, acting chief of staff Lieutenant General Jimmy Larida said in his speech:

“In these uncertain times when challenges on sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the rule of law persist, our collaboration sends a clear message: that nations, large and small, have stood together, side by side in the defense of peace and rights of all people.”

The ceremony was attended by different representatives from the AFP, ADF, Australian Embassy in the Philippines, and the Philippine Department of National Defense. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News