Troops from the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry (Agila) Division sharpened their emergency medical skills during a three-day Basic Life Support (BLS) and Standard First Aid (SFA) course held from October 29 to 31, 2026, at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Davao de Oro.
According to a press release issued by the 10th Infantry Division's Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) on November 2, 2026, six qualified training providers from the Philippine Navy Nursing Service facilitated the course.
Participating Units
The training brought together soldiers from the Emergency Response Company, the Division Reconnaissance Company, and the Headquarters Service Company. The 10th Station Hospital (10SH) organized and hosted the activity, and its personnel also took part.
Course Content and Methodology
The DPAO said the three-day program combined lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. Skills covered included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) operation, bleeding control, wound management, and other standard first aid techniques.
Connection to Upcoming Defense and Disaster Exercises
The 10th Infantry Division said the training directly supports its preparations for forthcoming simulated Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations and Civil Defense Operations Exercises. The division noted that Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) competencies are considered essential for addressing emergencies that arise during security crises, and that the course also reinforces readiness to provide immediate medical assistance during External Security Operations.
Commander Emphasises Civilian Protection as a Core Mission
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said that defense preparedness encompasses more than responding to armed threats. In a statement attributed to him in the DPAO release, Maj. Gen. Luzon said: "Territorial defense readiness goes beyond our ability to respond to security threats. It also requires our troops to be prepared to protect lives, provide immediate assistance, and work alongside our civilian and inter-agency partners during emergencies. These lifesaving skills are essential in fulfilling our mission and strengthening our overall defense and civil preparedness capabilities."
Continued Training
According to the 10ID DPAO, the division plans to sustain this training coordination to develop mission-ready forces capable of supporting both territorial defense and civil emergency operations.
Source: 10th Infantry Division Division Public Affairs Office / Philippine Army