A total of 234 soldiers from the Philippine and Australian armies are currently undergoing joint training in unmanned aerial systems and anti-armor operations at the 8th Division Training School in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar, as part of the bilateral exercise series known as Kasangga.
UAS and Anti-Armor Training Underway at 8DTS
The Philippine Army said troops from both countries practiced anti-armor tactics in complex terrain and exchanged knowledge on safely and legally piloting fixed-wing drones during the October 22, 2026 training activity. The 8th Infantry Division's public affairs office released photographs showing Filipino soldiers handling shoulder-fired anti-armor weapons under Australian guidance, alongside images of soldiers from both armies gathered around a drone on the 8DTS grounds.
Kasangga 2026-02 Formally Opened October 19
According to the Philippine Army, Kasangga 2026-02 officially commenced on October 19 at the Hinabangan facility. Of the 234 participating soldiers, 144 belong to the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division while the remaining 90 are from the Australian Army. The Philippine Army said the exercise is expected to conclude during the second week of November 2026.
Second Bilateral Iteration This Year
This marks the second running of the Kasangga exercise in 2026. The first iteration, Kasangga 2026-1, was held from late May through June 19 in Camarines Sur, within the area of operations of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division. The Philippine Army noted that the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy participated in that earlier iteration for the first time.
The Kasangga series itself was established in November 2024 when the inaugural exercise was conducted in the Bicol Region, launching the recurring bilateral training program between the two armies.
Exercise Name Rooted in Filipino for "Ally"
The word Kasangga translates to "ally" or "partner" in Filipino. The Philippine Army described it as a regular bilateral training exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability across various warfighting functions between Philippine and Australian forces. The Philippine Army also said the exercise supports the two countries' strategic partnership in pursuit of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Photo credit: 8DPAO, 8ID, Philippine Army
Source: Philippine Army / BreakingNewsNegros.com wire reports