CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), formally concluded the Interagency Exercise (IAX) “Pagsasanay SANLAKAS” in a closing ceremony held today, here.
The ceremony was graced by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., PBGen Bowenn Joey M Masauding, Acting Director of the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, and Rear Admiral Tito Alvin G Andal, Commander of Commander of the Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command (CGETDC). It also featured the official passing of hosting responsibilities from the AFP to the PCG, underscoring the continuous multi-agency security efforts.
The inaugural interagency exercise (IAX), involving 150 AFP, PNP, and PCG personnel, strengthens national security through enhanced joint coordination and response. Through tabletop scenarios focused on the country’s exclusive economic zone, participants applied legal frameworks, rules of engagement, and use-of-force policies while practicing strategic decision-making in territorial waters. The exercise also assessed existing doctrines, policies, and shared responsibilities, identified improvements, and reinforced a cohesive whole-of-government approach.
In his remarks, General Brawner emphasized the unified purpose behind the exercise. “This exercise was conceptualized for a strategic and straightforward purpose: to bring our institutions into a common operational framework, where we think together, plan together, and ultimately act together,” he said. “In defending our nation, we are strongest when we move with one mission, one direction, and one resolve.”
Photo by SSg Ambay PA and PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
