Phl, Australia hold combat, medical drills

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Army and the Australian Army are now deep into the mid-phase of KASANGGA Exercise 2025, with hands-on combat and medical training currently underway at Camp Kibaritan in Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

In a statement, Major General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the joint training — which entered its mid-phase on Saturday — has moved past the opening formalities and is now focused on evaluating the troops’ interoperability, operational readiness, and tactical skills in real-time.

One of the core highlights of this phase is the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) simulations. These exercises aim to sharpen soldiers’ ability to provide life-saving medical aid under battlefield conditions.

“Troops are going through rigorous medical drills like battlefield triage, casualty evacuation under fire, and emergency treatment of critical injuries,” Anayron explained.

At the same time, the forces are conducting small unit maneuvers, counter-ambush scenarios, and tactical coordination exercises in both urban and rural settings. These drills are designed to test how well troops can adapt and operate together in high-stress combat environments.

The exercises are being closely monitored by evaluators from the Mindanao Army Training Group and Australian counterparts. Their goal is to ensure that all training objectives are met while providing valuable feedback on troop performance during simulated combat scenarios. This evaluation phase plays a crucial role in refining tactics, confirming operational standards, and reinforcing best practices for future joint missions.

Anayron emphasized that this part of the exercise is not merely a skills demonstration. “It’s a live test of how we operate as one cohesive unit,” he said. “KASANGGA 2025 gives our troops the chance to learn, adapt, and strengthen the teamwork needed to face today’s evolving security challenges.”