THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) conducted a series of training sessions and bilateral exercises to enhance troop capabilities in preparation for territorial defense.
“Regarding our preparations for a potential shift to territorial defense, we are implementing various training activities. It’s not just for our regular troops; even our reserve forces are participating in these bilateral and other training exercises to enhance their capabilities,” said Major Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for EastMinCom, during last Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
“We are actively conducting training and exercises for this purpose,” Evangelista added.
EastMinCom, along with its army, navy, and air force units, is prioritizing the strengthening of border security as part of its “inclusive territorial defense” operations.
Previously, Lt. Gen. Rex Luis Bergante, commander of EastMinCom, stated, “In terms of external defense, the air force and navy are conducting maritime patrols along our eastern border. We primarily coordinate with Indonesia, as they are closest to us, but we also monitor other vessels and aircraft passing through the southeastern border and the entire eastern border.”
Bergante also mentioned that they are mapping and identifying strategic points within their operational areas to position various battalions.
“This approach is similar to what was done in Afghanistan. First-world countries like Russia and the US were able to hold their ground there because they understood their territory,” he explained.
Inclusive external defense
“The defense of our country should rely on all its citizens,” Bergante emphasized. “The Armed Forces’ program aims to strengthen the reservist force.”
“Reservists can support our regular forces in times of war,” he added.
Retired Commodore and former NFEM commander stated that the Philippine Navy is focused on continuous personnel training through joint exercises with Southeast Asian nations.
Additionally, NFEM is enhancing its equipment to improve its capabilities. “As I mentioned regarding external territorial defense, we need 24/7 awareness of our areas. The air force and navy are collaborating to ensure constant coverage of our maritime environment, especially our 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and our borders with Indonesia, particularly within the EastMinCom area.”
“That’s the focus of our territorial defense operations. This responsibility isn’t solely EastMinCom; it also involves the local populace. Everyone has a significant role to play,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, stated that while their primary focus is internal, they are reevaluating their organizational structures and training to ensure they align with the military’s territorial defense measures.
“We are reviewing our training and organizational structure to assess their applicability. For the 10th ID, we emphasize training and have rehabilitated our current organizational structure,” he said.
Similarly, the Tactical Operations Wing-EastMin is reassessing its strategies and continuing recruitment, especially targeting individuals with science degrees.
Moreover, EastMinCom assures the public of its constant readiness to address any threats to the country. They are undertaking various preparations to defend the territory, even in the absence of direct threats in the Davao Region.
The military remains committed to ensuring that every organization is skilled and prepared for territorial defense.
EastMinCom oversees the area covering Regions 10, 11, and 13.
Photo courtesy of Bing Gonzales/ EastMinCom
