Kamandag 2 military exercise between Philippines, US starts

October 1, 2018

The 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) opened exercise Kamandag 2 with a ceremony at the Subic Bay International Airport on Monday.

Kamandag 2 will take place October 1 to 10, 2018, at multiple locations on the island of Luzon.

Kamandag is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the Philippine and United States militaries.

Kamandag 2 is an exercise between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States which also features participation from Japan.

The Philippine-led exercise will include military-to-military exchanges between the AFP and U.S. forces with a focus on counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.

“In its first iteration last year, Kamandag gave rise to many inaugural advancements between our militaries,” said Brig. Gen. Chris McPhillips, 3d MEB Commanding General. “I’m looking forward to all that we’re going to achieve together this year.”

The US and Philippines will partner for a variety of community relations events.

Engineering and construction projects are ongoing at a school and two daycare centers in Ternate, Cavite. While in Ternate, US and Philippine military medical teams will teach hundreds of Ternate residents about lifesaving skills, disease prevention, and dental hygiene. DMS