More than 1,500 active and reserve military personnel will be participating in this year’s iteration of the “DAGIT-PA” exercises of the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) which formally opened on Monday.

“DAGIT-PA” which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is an AFP-wide/AFP-only exercise that integrates Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and AFP Special Operations Forces to level up capabilities to accomplish missions in the sea, air, and land.

“In light of the prevailing complexities of our domestic and global security environment, it is critical that we, in the AFP, continue to strengthen our joint operating concept through the enhanced interoperability and cohesive employment of our various competencies in the conduct of a wide spectrum of security operations, disaster response, and community development efforts,” AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro said during the opening rites at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bacarro was joined by AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) head and this year’s exercise director, Brig. Gen. Marvin Licudine and AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training, and doctrine Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor.

Members of the Joint Staff and representatives of Major Service Commanders also attended the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos and commanders of other participating units joined the ceremony through virtual teleconferencing.

This year’s training will be held in Wescom’s joint operational area until Nov. 18.

Among the significant events in “DAGIT-PA” are air defense/counter-air operations, maritime security operations, amphibious operations, combined arms live-fire exercises, urban operations, and urban warfare.

More than 1,500 active and reserve forces from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, as well as AFP Special Operations Command and AFP Cyber Group, will be participating in the exercise.

Other government agencies such as the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Philippine Coast Guard will also participate.

Among the assets to be used are the Army’s new C-206 aircraft and armored vehicles; the Navy’s patrol ship, landing dock, naval helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft; Air Force’s FA-50PH, A-29B “Super Tucano” and C-130 aircraft; and Marines’ amphibious assault vehicles. (PNA)