Multinational troops launch KAMANDAG 9 across Philippines in strategic military exercise

Exercise KAMANDAG 9, a joint military initiative aimed at strengthening regional defense and interoperability, will commence on May 26, 2025, across various Philippine islands. This year’s iteration brings together service members from the United States, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom for high-level multinational drills that reinforce allied military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

Led by the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and U.S. Marine Corps, KAMANDAG—short for Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat or “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea”—has grown into a vital symbol of unity and preparedness since its inception in 2016.

“KAMANDAG 9 is a clear demonstration of the strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and our ironclad commitment to regional security and combined readiness,” said Col. Jason C. Armas, commanding officer of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force, deployed from Darwin, Australia.

The exercises will take place from May 26 to June 6 in Luzon, Batanes, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan, with opening and closing ceremonies at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Manila. Participating forces include I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces, the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as allied contingents from Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, South Korea’s Marine Corps, and the United Kingdom Armed Forces.

“This year’s KAMANDAG is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps,” said Maj. Gen. Arturo G. Rojas, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “By operating jointly in complex environments, we are strengthening our capability to defend the archipelago.”

KAMANDAG 9 will focus on maritime key terrain security operations, amphibious maneuvers, and humanitarian assistance drills. The schedule includes live-fire exercises, defensive counter-landing operations, littoral movement, and disaster relief training. Specialized knowledge exchanges will be held on engineering, logistics, unmanned reconnaissance, air defense, medical response, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) scenarios.

The presence of five nations reflects growing recognition of the Philippines’ strategic maritime importance, especially amid rising tensions and challenges in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific.