AFP opens 2022 DAGIT-PA joint exercise

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has started its annual exercise involving its Navy, Air, Army, and Special Operations forces, military spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said Tuesday.

“What we are doing in this exercise is to make sure that our joint operations involving these three branches of service will be enhanced and there will be interoperability among the assets and the troops of these different services,” he said during a public briefing.

According to Aguilar, other government agencies and local government units will also participate in the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) DAGIT-PA to address threats and respond to calamities.

DAGIT-PA stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa.”

The joint exercise was officially opened in a ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday, which was presided over by AFP chief Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

It would be held in the joint operational area of the Western Command (WesCom) within Palawan until November 18, according to the AFP.

Among important activities are air defense/counter-air operations, maritime security operations, amphibious operations, combined arms live fire exercises, urban operations, and urban warfare, the AFP said.

Over 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, are set to join the activities.

The Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Philippine Coast Guard are also expected to participate. 

Among the assets that will be used in the joint exercise are the following:

Philippine Army

• new C-206 aircraft and armored vehicles

Philippine Navy

• patrol ship
• landing dock
• naval helicopters
• fixed wing aircraft

Philippine Air Force

• FA-50PH, A29B Super Tucano
• C-130 aircraft

Philippine Marines

• amphibious Assault Vehicles

“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,” Bacarro said. — Joviland Rita/GMA Integrated News