Close to 500 PH, US troops take part in Maguindanao del Norte war games

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The joint military exercises are significant for their strategic relevance, taking place in the Moro Gulf, a key maritime route to the Celebes Sea and an important defense point for the Philippines

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Close to 500 American and Filipino troops participated in Marine and anti-terrorism exercises in Maguindanao del Norte in the Bangsamoro region as part of a deepening defense collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. 

The Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025 brought together 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps personnel, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 from the Coast Guard, and 40 reservists, aiming to strengthen key capabilities in maritime rapid response, counter-landing, and coastal defense.

The MAREX 2025, which began on March 30 and will officially end on Friday, April 11, is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Philippine and US Marine Corps. It serves as both a training event and a demonstration of the two forces’ ability to collaborate in defending maritime security in the region.

Philippine Marines advance alongside US Marines during a simulated anti-terrorism drill as part of MAREX 2025 in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Ferdinandh Cabrera/Rappler

The importance of the military exercises lies not only in its operational success but also in its strategic relevance. The Moro Gulf, where the exercise took place, is a vital maritime area for the Philippines, serving as a key route to the Celebes Sea and a strategic location for defense against regional security threats.

The exercises underscored the growing importance of military cooperation between the two countries in a region increasingly marked by territorial disputes and challenges due to geopolitical dynamics.

One of the drills simulated a security scenario where terrorists launched a bomb attack in a coastal area in Datu Blah Sinsuat town, testing the forces’ ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats. The town faces the Moro Gulf.

During the exercise, the US Marines, transported by a multipurpose assault craft, and their Filipino counterparts, deployed via small unit riverine craft, worked in tandem to neutralize the hostile forces and secure the area. 

COVER. US Marines provide cover during a joint exercise with Philippine forces in Barangay Penansaran, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Ferdinandh Cabrera/Rappler

Aside from tactical operations, the joint military exercises featured a live-fire demonstration involving six 105mm Howitzers and three 155mm Howitzers from the Philippine Marine Corps, along with self-propelled artillery systems from the Philippine Army.

A separate fast-roping demonstration with two Black Hawk helicopters was also conducted on Tuesday, April 8, in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. 

“The exercise showcased the interoperability between the Philippine and US Marines, underscoring our readiness to defend the country’s maritime territories,” said Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, head of the Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command. – Rappler.com