Philippine Army, Air Force test coastal defense readiness in Antique

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force have moved their joint military exercises from Dingle, Iloilo, to Antique province to test their ability to counter coastal threats and coordinate land and air operations.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said the Philippine Air Force-Philippine Army Interoperability Exercise (PAF-PA IOX) 05-2026 began its field training exercises (FTX) Monday, Oct. 19, in Bugasong, Antique.

The exercises are being conducted in Barangays Ilaures and Camangahan in Bugasong and will conclude Oct. 23.

The first day featured interconnected operational scenarios involving air support, artillery operations, ground maneuvers, aviation mobility, casualty evacuation, airborne insertion, and search-and-rescue activities.

One of the major scenarios involved a counter-amphibious landing operation designed to test the military’s response to a simulated coastal incursion.

During the exercise, an opposing force simulated an amphibious landing, prompting combined Army and Air Force units to respond and neutralize the threat through coordinated land and air operations.

The scenario tested how effectively the two military branches could integrate their capabilities to respond to threats approaching from the sea.

The exercises aim to improve joint tactics, techniques and procedures, particularly in command and control, information sharing, mobility and force protection.

These capabilities are important in responding to maritime and coastal security threats, which require coordination among military units operating across different environments.

Senior military officers and local government officials attended and observed the opening day of the field training exercises.

Among those present were Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of Joint Task Force SPEAR and the 3rd Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Sheillah Grace Vicente, commander of Tactical Operations Wing Central; Col. Leroy Daanton, acting commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade; and Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, 3ID chief of staff.

Representatives from the Philippine Army’s Education and Training Command at Army headquarters also attended.

Local officials present included Antique Gov. Paolo Everardo Javier, Vice Gov. Genevive Lim-Reyes, Bugasong Mayor Victor Condez and San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Paul Joseph Untaran.

Barangay officials and members of the media also witnessed the activities.

The PAF-PA IOX 05-2026 formally opened Oct. 14 at the headquarters of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade at Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.

The exercises are designed to strengthen interoperability between the Army and Air Force by requiring participating units to integrate their land and air capabilities under realistic operational conditions.

Interoperability refers to the ability of different military services to operate together effectively through coordinated planning, communication and execution of missions.

Through the joint training, the Armed Forces of the Philippines aims to improve its readiness to respond to evolving maritime and coastal security challenges.

The military said the exercises also reinforce its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.