The Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps bilateral training exercise has officially begun this week and will run until 14 October this year.

Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia PN, the Acting Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, presided over the opening ceremony of the dubbed "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat" or KAMANDAG or "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea Exercise" on Monday at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City.

Philippine Marine Corps Public Affairs Office director Major Emery Torre on Tuesday said all exercises will be based on fictional scenarios but are expected to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability among the participating forces.

"The training is expected to build effective and ready forces capable of responding to security challenges," Torre said.

The KAMANDAG sea exercise allows the participating forces to plan, coordinate and conduct combined military operations that can be applied across all ranges of military operations including amphibious operations and humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.

"As the national maneuver amphibious force, the Philippine Marine Corps has the amphibious capability that is most flexible and effective for national contingency," Torre said.

Meanwhile, Valencia said the ongoing bilateral marine exercises will serve as a platform "where participant-nations and observers alike can express their commitment to regional peace and stability."

Among the slated activities are the Amphibious Operations in San Antonio Zambales on 5 to 7 October with capability demonstration on 7 October, Amphibious Raid and Land Search and Rescue in Claveria, Aparri, and Palaui Island, Cagayan on 1 to 12 October, Humanitarian Assistance in Mavulis Island and Basco, Batanes on 4 to 8 October and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in Capaz, Tarlac on 1 to 13 October with capability demonstration on 13 October, among others.

The Philippine Marine Corps said that the regular conduct of KAMANDAG exercises will equip marines with the latest techniques, tactics, and procedures in maneuver warfare.