Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson observes bilateral exercise among Australian and Filipino soldiers. (Contributed photo).
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson came to observe the ongoing military exercises between Australian and Filipino troops inside this vast reservation on Wednesday.
Robinson visited the home of ‘Kaugnay’ troopers as part of bilateral engagements with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 7th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Magsaysay here.
According to the 7th Infantry Division public information office, the envoy’s visit aims “to oversee the ongoing Modified Land Mobile Training composed of Urban Operations and Combat Shooting, Tactical Site Exploitation and Counter Improvised Explosive Device Training conducted by the Australian Defence Force to the troops of 1st Brigade Combat Team, PA and Special Forces Regiment.”
The military training exercise started last Sept. 27 and will conclude on Nov. 19, 2021.
“The bilateral exercise aims to develop the skills and tactics of the participants to dispose of IEDs and the application of different search and breach techniques combined with Explosive Hazard Awareness and Protection Training,” the information office explained.
Among the engagements of the Australian Defence Force with the Philippine Army in the past is the Philippines–Australia Exercise Dawn Caracha last 2017 and 2019 also held at Fort Ramon Magsaysay.
It focused on enhancing the capability of the troops on crisis situation response in a hostage rescue operation as a combined force with foreign allied forces in mission planning, training, rehearsals, and execution of mission in a jungle environment, it added.
Acting commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division Brig. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante welcomed Robinson at the arrival honors at Kaugnay Hall Grounds, 7ID Headquarters.
