During the closing ceremony of the first Inter-Agency Exercise (IAX) “Pagsasanay Sanlakas,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. reminded participating agencies to remain united in times of crisis.

The exercise was participated in by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the AFP.

“In moments of crisis, our people expect us to rise as one. Because in times of danger, they look to us for protection, order, and hope. And because in defending this nation, its land, its seas, and its future, we are strongest when we move with one mission, one direction, and one resolve,” Brawner said.

“This is the spirit of our service. This is the power of our partnerships. And this is what it means to secure the Filipino nation together,” he added.

Launched on Monday, the inter-agency exercise aims to strengthen seamless cooperation among the participating agencies and enhance their ability to adapt to the country’s evolving defense and security environment.

The IAX is conducted under the framework of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) and seeks to establish a common operational framework that will serve as a guide for future inter-agency training efforts.

Brawner stressed that security personnel should look beyond the differences in uniforms, emphasizing that all agencies share the same values and purpose in serving the nation.

“Together, we safeguard our sovereignty, maintain peace and order, and protect our waters. Together, we defend our people, not just with force, but with unity of purpose,” he said.

The exercise included tabletop scenarios designed to test strategic ideas, assess operational doctrines, and improve understanding of each agency’s systems and capabilities.

“Our structures, our mechanisms, our rapid deployment concepts and joint information operations, as well as our doctrines, must converge if we are to respond effectively to crisis, calamity or conflict,” the AFP chief explained.

Brawner also revealed that the three agencies are exploring ways to integrate their respective reserve units. The next iteration of the exercise is expected to include command staff exercises, command post exercises and field training exercises.