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PH, Aussie troops hold land warfare drills in N. Ecija

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
August 21, 2025, 6:50 pm

MANILA -- Filipino and Australian troops taking part in this year's Exercise "ALON" are now conducting intensive land warfare drills to ensure greater operability between the two services, the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.

The exercises are being conducted in Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija "and other training areas in the province," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement.

"While the broader exercise encompasses amphibious landings, air-sea operations and joint maneuvers, 'Victorious Troopers' are specifically engaged in the land domain of warfare focusing on ground-based tactical training and interoperability," Dema-ala said, referring to 84th Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division, the unit participating in the drills.

He added participating troops are undergoing intensive drills in combat shooting, jungle operations, live-fire exercises and urban combat supported by armor, artillery and engineers designed to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in diverse terrain and combat environments.

This year's iteration of "ALON," or "Amphibious Landing Operations," kicked off on Aug. 15 and will run until Aug. 29.

Over 3,600 troops from the Philippines, Australia, the United States and Canada are taking part in Exercise "ALON" 25, which is being held across the joint operational area of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and the AFP Western Command. Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Indonesia are participating as international observers.

Dema-ala said the PA will be primarily involved in the field training exercise (FTX) at the NOLCOM joint area of operations with air components from the Philippine Air Force and the Australian Defence Force.

The highlight of the FTX will be the combined live fire exercise at the combat readiness training area in Fort Magsaysay on Aug. 27.

"The PA aims to boost its thrust to enhance the individual and unit capabilities of land forces and increase its interoperability with the Joint Force and partner international armed forces as part of its active engagement with like-minded nations to ensure regional cooperation and stability," Dema-ala said. (PNA)