2 days ago
PH Army, US Army Pacific conduct Salaknib drills
PH Army, US Army Pacific conduct Salaknib drills as part of Salaknib Phase 2. Screenshot from PH Army video
The Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) are conducting joint training drills in Cagayan Valley from June 16 to 19, 2025 as part of Salaknib Phase 2.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the drills included more than 100 mobility assets from both ground forces in a ground convoy operation from Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to the Bagabag Airstrip in Nueva Vizcaya; Isabela State University Oval in Echague, Isabela; and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.
Military Free Fall drills were also conducted by both forces at the Bagabag Airstrip in Nueva Vizcaya, as well as Fast Rope Insertion at Extraction System (FRIES) drills in Isabela.
The combined operations intended to observe the buildup of combat power in support of territorial defense, utilizing assets of both the PA and USARPAC.
'The ongoing drills between Filipino and American ground forces align with the Philippine Army's thrust to adopt mobile, agile and sustainable forces that can rapidly respond to various missions and contingencies,' the statement read.
As part of the drills, tank assets will also be deployed to Port Irene, Cagayan using US Navy Landing Craft Units. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News
