PH, Australia kick off ‘Kasangga’ joint exercises

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Flags of the Philippines and Australia amid a sea backdrop. STORY: PH, Australia kick off ‘Kasangga’ joint exercises

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MANILA, Philippines — The armies of the Philippines and Australia kicked off monthlong joint exercises dubbed as “Kasangga” on Monday, with a focus on counterterrorism and urban warfare.

The joint exercise will include drills on urban and intelligence operations, jungle warfare, long-range marksmanship, combat casualty care, and the exchange of tactics, said Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto Villareal, assistant deputy commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.

“This activity between our two armed forces would lead to the opportunity for better cooperation and jointness,” he said.

More than 40 Australian soldiers will train more than 100 Filipino counterparts on urban warfare over the next several weeks.

—FRANCES MANGOSING

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