The Philippine Marine Corps and the Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia are set to conduct a 'KAMANDAG' training exercise along with marine service members from Japan and South Korea beginning 9 November.

This year's seventh reiteration of the KAMANDAG exercise is aimed at improving multinational military readiness, partnership, and mutual capabilities among the participants.

The term 'KAMANDAG' is derived from the Tagalog phrase "Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat" which means "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea.

It is an annual exercise jointly led by the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps since 2016.

According to MRF-SEA Commanding officer, Col. Thomas Siverts, KAMANDAG is one of many exercises demonstrating the participating nations' long-standing commitment to defense cooperation and regional security.

"When you talk about dedication to shared regional security, stability, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, KAMANDAG is just that. This seventh iteration is historic for many reasons," Siverts said.

"One reason is our continued strengthening Alliance reflected in the sheer scope of this year's exercise. Secondly, MRF-SEA only participated in this exercise last year, and now we are privileged to be leading all U.S. Marine forces in this year's exercise. Most importantly, we're able to capitalize on relationships established a year ago. We're leading and improving interoperability alongside the very same Philippine Marine Corps counterparts," he added.

The KAMANDAG exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the various training sites throughout Luzon, Batanes, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan until 20 November.

Approximately 950 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 850 U.S. Marines from across I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces are expected to train alongside the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Marines.

While service members from the United Kingdom will also join as observers during the training.

Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida, director of PMC Exercise Directorate Headquarters for KAMANDAG, said this year's exercise will highlight the global importance of maritime security, as well as, demonstrate a combined commitment to maintaining stability and peace across the Indo-Pacific region.

"I am confident that KAMANDAG will not only strengthen our operational capabilities but will also foster a sense of trust and mutual understanding among our forces," Larida noted.

Participating forces are expected to train on humanitarian aid and disaster relief to include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training operations, littoral search and rescue, coastal defense training, and amphibious operations; conduct medical subject matter expert exchanges; and participate in staff integration events along the eastern and northern coasts of the Philippines.