The Philippines and United States Marines Corps officially kicked off yesterday the 7th iteration of their bilateral "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat" or KAMANDAG 07-03 Exercise, which was primarily designed to enhance the combined operations, cooperation, and interoperability among participating forces.

BGen. Jimmy Larida, PMC director for Exercise Directorate Headquarters, said this exercise should not be mistaken as preparation towards addressing a particular issue, insisting that it is not even specifically directed to a particular country. 

"The particular exercise will not be directed against the, towards, against a particular issue, particularly in the West Philippine Sea," he said, rejecting claims that it has something to do with the increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. 

Larida emphasized that the KAMANDAG exercise has been long planned under the existing Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty. 

"The exercise is not designed to prepare for a very particular country but the exercise is designed to prepare our marine soldiers…to prepare for operational readiness and any kind of challenges from any aggressors," he said. 

"I would like to point out that KAMANDAG 7-23 is not an exercise that is prepared specifically for a particular country," he added.

MGen. Arturo Rojas, PMC commandant, said the exercise enhances their regional readiness and contributes to a secure and stable environment as well as showcasing the ability to work side by side in pursuit of their shared objectives.