The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) staged a simulated mechanized assault on Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea on November 6, as part of the ongoing Joint Exercise Dagat-Langit-Lupa (AJEX Dagit-Pa). The drill involved personnel from the Philippine Navy, who landed on the island using rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) launched from the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16). The Philippine Air Force provided logistical support, air-dropping essential supplies to troops securing the island.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, highlighted the importance of the exercise in bolstering the country’s defense capabilities. He stressed that the drill demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to defending its territorial integrity, particularly in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The exercise, which runs through November 15, includes 3, 000 AFP personnel and focuses on strengthening the Philippines’ territorial defense strategy, “Bantay Kalayaan.” Additionally, the AFP is enhancing its capabilities in modern warfare tactics, including information operations to combat the rise of misinformation, a growing challenge in contemporary conflicts.