Philippine Army conducts combat readiness training in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Army successfully conducted the Mindanao Leg of Katihan Patrol 2026, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening operational readiness, tactical proficiency, and warfighting capabilities.

Held from 19 to 23 October 2026, at the Combat Readiness Training Area (CRTA) Mindanao, Camp Kibaritan, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, the exercise brought together participating platoons from six (6) Philippine Army major units to assess their leadership, discipline, teamwork, and tactical decision-making under a series of challenging operational scenarios.

The participating units included the 106th Infantry Battalion, representing the 1st Infantry Division; 37th Infantry Battalion, representing the 6th Infantry Division; 66th Infantry Battalion, representing the 10th Infantry Division; 100th Infantry Battalion, representing the 11th Infantry Division; 7th Combat Engineer Company, 503rd Combat Engineer Battalion, representing the Combat Engineer Regiment; and the 36th Infantry Battalion, representing the 4th Infantry Division.

During the exercise, participating platoons undertook an intense 48-hour long-range patrol covering approximately 60 kilometers of rugged and mountainous terrain.

Each soldier carried an individual combat load of at least 25 kilograms, including a rifle, ammunition, and bandolier, testing their physical endurance, mental resilience, and ability to maintain operational discipline under demanding conditions.

The activity culminated in the recognition of top-performing units. The 66th Infantry Battalion, 10ID, emerged as the top-performing unit, securing first place, while the 100th Infantry Battalion, 11ID, and 37th Infantry Battalion, 6ID, placed second and third, respectively, for their performance throughout the patrol exercise.

Katihan Patrol 2026 reflects the Philippine Army’s continuing efforts to enhance its training standards and develop capable, mission-ready forces in support of the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations (CADO).

In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, 4 ID divdpisionmcommqnder congratulated all participating troops and commended their commitment to excelling and competing professionally as a team.

He emphasized that the exercise paved the way for enhanced combat readiness, greater interoperability, and improved individual performance, ultimately contributing to the development of a cohesive and capable fighting platoon.