With a focus on what it deems “external threats,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines will begin to conduct exercises to focus on external defense operations instead of internal security missions.
The Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) Katihan is the first army-wide drill of its type, said Philippine Army Chief of Staff, Lt. General Roy Galido. He also stated that the army has been busy with internal threats and that the country must prepare for any external threats and realize any shortcomings.
Starting March 11th, Katihan will be held at Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac province with 4,000–5,000 personnel from units based in both the Visayas and Mindanao islands. Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will attend the Katihan’s opening ceremony.
