Joint PH, US Marines exercise kicks off in Maguindanao Norte
ALL SET Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran (center) leads Filipino and US Marine forces in the opening program for Marine Exercises (Marex) 2025 at the 1st Marine Brigade Headquarters in Camp Iranun in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, on Monday. —Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division photo
CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — The highly anticipated Joint Marine Exercise 2025 (Marex 2025) between the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps formally opened on Monday at the 1st Marine Brigade Headquarters in Camp Iranun, Sitio Bombaran, Barangay Togaig, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.
Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, 1st Philippine Marine Brigade commander, said 480 Philippine and 45 US Marine personnel and other security forces were participating in the extensive exercise that started Monday and would run until April 11.
This would be the second Marex to be held in Barira, the former main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The first was held from April 8 to April 19 last year.
Aside from the Philippines and US Marines, contingents from the Philippine Army, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Marine reservists also joined the training, said Quemado, who serves as the Marex 2025 exercise director.
Live-fire exercise
He said the primary objective of Marex 2025 was to elevate the participants’ capabilities, focusing on a wide range of tactical operations.
The exercise will also feature a joint littoral live-fire exercise and amphibious assault operations, both crucial components in counterlanding and coastal defense, key elements in safeguarding territorial waters and maintaining regional stability.
From April 8 to April 9, the Philippine Army’s Field Artillery Battalions, under the Army Artillery Regiment, will conduct a joint littoral live-fire exercise in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
“Interoperability is the key. It is not enough to be skilled individually; we must be able to operate seamlessly with our counterparts, whether from the Philippine Marine Corps or allied forces,” said Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, the 6th ID commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of the event.
Enhancement
“Marex 2025 provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, refine coordination, and enhance the Littoral Response Group Concept,” he added.
The exercise is strategically designed to enhance maritime security, amphibious operations, and special operations within the JTFC’s operational area, Gumiran said.
Aside from combat exercises, Marex 2025 will also feature disaster response capabilities, aligning with the Philippine Army’s modernization initiatives and national disaster preparedness programs.
