Members of the Philippine and regional marine corps, including those from the United States, are commencing on 9 November their "Kamandag," or venom, training exercises to improve inter-operability in ensuring regional security.
The Philippine Marine Corps and the MRF-SEA, or the Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, with service members from Japan and South Korea, will mark the seventh iteration of the exercise.
The primary objective of this year's exercise is to enhance multinational military readiness, strengthen partnerships, and improve mutual capabilities among the participating nations.
While literally meaning "venom," "Kamandag," insofar as the exercise is concerned, means "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat" or Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea.
Since 2016, the annual exercise has been jointly led by the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps.
According to Colonel Thomas Siverts, the commanding officer of MRF-SEA, "Kamandag" is just one of many exercises that underscore the enduring commitment of the participating nations 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 extensive 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 US Marine forces in this year's exercise," he added.
Siverts explained that participants have built relationships that would enhance interoperability between the Philippine and US Marine Corps.
The exercise is scheduled to take place at various training sites throughout Luzon, Batanes, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan until 20 November.
Approximately 950 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with 850 US Marines from the I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces, are expected to train alongside the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Marines.
Additionally, service members from the United Kingdom will participate as observers during the training.
Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida, the director of PMC Exercise Directorate Headquarters for Kamandag, emphasized that this year's exercise will underscore the global significance of maritime security.
It will also demonstrate a collective commitment to maintaining stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Participating forces are set to engage in training related to humanitarian aid and disaster relief, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations.
The training will encompass littoral search and rescue, coastal defense, and amphibious operations. Additionally, there will be medical subject matter expert exchanges and staff integration events along the eastern and northern coasts of the Philippines.