The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps carried out a Ground-Based Anti-Ship Missile (GBASM) raid training exercise at Camp Cape Bojeador in Burgos, Ilocos Norte on June 1.
The joint drill forms part of Exercise KAMANDAG 09-2025, a recurring bilateral activity aimed at improving interoperability between the two allied forces.
“The exercise focused on GBASM fire direction and control, mission processing, movement coordination, and coastal defense operations,” the PMC said.
A Philippine Navy AW109 helicopter from the Naval Air Wing provided aerial support throughout the operation, enhancing the effectiveness of the simulation.
Military observers from France and Thailand were also present during the activity, signaling their continued interest in regional security cooperation and defense collaboration.
A total of 2,028 personnel from the Philippines—including members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Marine Reservists, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard—joined the exercises.
The United States deployed 2,031 Marines to participate in the event.
KAMANDAG, which stands for Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat, underscores the longstanding defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States amid evolving regional security challenges.
