Iloilo to host Visayas’ first inter-agency territorial defense exercise

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo province will host the Visayas’ first Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations Exercise (ITDOEx) “Pag-ugyon 2026” on June 16–17, with simulation activities set in the municipalities of Miagao and San Joaquin.

The two-day exercise, led by the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Joint Task Force Spear, aims to assess and validate the province’s preparedness and response capabilities during civilian spillover situations arising from territorial defense scenarios affecting Panay Island.

A civilian spillover scenario refers to the possible evacuation or movement of civilians to safer areas due to a crisis or territorial tension, requiring coordinated action from government agencies and local authorities.

PDRRMO chief Cornelio Salinas said the exercise will test the effectiveness of the Provincial Community Defense Action (PCDA), Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Incident Management Teams (IMTs), response clusters, and partner agencies in managing large-scale displacement, humanitarian assistance, public safety, medical emergencies, logistics, and inter-agency coordination.

“Through this exercise, we are strengthening coordination among government agencies, security forces, local government units, and community partners to ensure that we can effectively protect our people during complex emergencies,” Salinas said.

“This is a proactive investment in readiness and a testament to our whole-of-government and whole-of-province approach to disaster risk reduction, emergency management and civilian protection,” he added.

On June 16, authorities will conduct a civilian spillover management exercise in Barangays Sapa and Kirayan Norte in Miagao.

Later that day, a missile attack response simulation will be held in Barangay Igtuba.

On June 17, the AFP will lead simulated coastal defense and anti-infiltration operations in Barangays Igcondao and Cata-an in San Joaquin.

The activities are expected to affect portions of Guimbal, as well as the municipalities of Anini-y and Hamtic in Antique.

Salinas said more than 1,000 participants are expected to take part in the exercise.

“The cost of this operation may be minimal compared to its actual application when disaster strikes. There is no substitute for preparations undertaken this early,” he said.

Col. Leroy Daanton, deputy brigade commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said actual military and naval assets will be utilized during the simulations, with safety measures coordinated with local governments to ensure the security of residents.

He said the exercise is not solely intended for conflict-related scenarios but can also strengthen coordination mechanisms during natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

“In this exercise, we practice the interoperability and connectivity of military and civilians,” Daanton said.

Authorities emphasized that the activity forms part of the province’s preparedness and capability-building initiatives and does not indicate any actual security threat to Iloilo.

The exercise is conducted under Executive Order No. 111, Series of 2025, entitled “An Order Instituting the Provincial Community Defense Action for MoRProGRes Iloilo – Kapayapaan, Kaayusan at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas,” signed by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

Representatives from participating agencies are expected to observe and evaluate the outcomes of the simulations.