A closing ceremony on November 11, 2026, at the 8th Division Training School in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar, ended the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise KASANGGA 2026-2.
At a glance
- Event: closing ceremony of the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise KASANGGA 2026-2
- Date and place: November 11, 2026, Headquarters 8th Division Training School, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar
- Aim: strengthen operational readiness, enhance interoperability and develop the capabilities of Philippine Army and Australian Army personnel
- Message delivered by: Brig. Gen. Niceforo M. Diaz Jr., Assistant Division Commander, 8th Infantry Division, for Lt. Gen. Ronald M. Gumiran, Commanding General, Philippine Army
- Recognized: participating personnel from both armies, LGUs, partner agencies and stakeholders
- Source: 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Public Affairs Office
Exercise Aimed at Interoperability and Operational Readiness
According to the 8th Infantry Division's Public Affairs Office, the bilateral drill was structured to strengthen operational readiness, improve interoperability, and build the capabilities of both Philippine Army and Australian Army personnel through coordinated military training activities.
Senior Officer Delivers Message on Behalf of Army Chief
Brigadier General Niceforo M. Diaz Jr., serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, delivered the message of the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Ronald M. Gumiran, during the ceremony.
"To our friends from the Australian Army, we sincerely thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Your willingness to train with us and share your experience shows the value you place on our partnership. We are grateful for the friendship, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together," Diaz said.
LGUs, Partner Agencies Given Recognition
The ceremony also included recognition and awarding of stakeholders — among them local government units and partner agencies — who supported the exercise, the 8th Infantry Division's Public Affairs Office reported.
In its release dated November 13, 2026, the Public Affairs Office said the 8th Infantry Division conveyed gratitude to all participating units, local officials, and partner agencies involved in KASANGGA 2026-2.
Division Links Exercise to Eastern Visayas Security Role
The 8th Infantry Division described international military cooperation as essential to developing a well-trained, interoperable, and mission-ready force, adding that the conclusion of KASANGGA 2026-2 reinforces its commitment to capability development and to sustaining peace and security in Eastern Visayas, according to the Public Affairs Office.
Source: 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army — Public Affairs Office