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AFP kicks off 'DAGIT-PA' drills to boost defense readiness

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
November 4, 2025, 6:29 pm

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday formally opened the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) "DAGIT-PA" aimed at further boosting its defense readiness amid challenges to the country's sovereignty.

"The realities of the West Philippine Sea remind us that deterrence is not built overnight. Rather, it is strengthened through training and unity of purpose," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the opening ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"In these pressing times when our sovereignty is constantly challenged, exercises alike become our living proof of readiness and resolve. They edify not only our defenses but also our collective will to protect every inch of our maritime domain," he added.

"DAGIT-PA," which is short for "Dagat-Langit-Lupa" (sea-air-land), will run from Nov. 4 to 14, 2025.

Brawner said the drills under the joint exercise will allow the military to adapt to new challenges and present-day threats.

"So these are not just simulations. They are strategic rehearsals for real world contingencies, validating our concepts of operation under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and territorial defense plan 'Bantay Kalayaan'," he said.

CADC is a strategic shift where the AFP is tasked to defend all Philippine territories, including its 200-nautical miles exclusive economic zone.

"Through this exercise, we demonstrate that the AFP never yields," Brawner said. "We will adapt, we will anticipate, and we will act decisively to defend our country and our people."

In an interview following the opening ceremonies, Brawner said as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the AFP should be able to stand and resist external forces for 20 to 30 days before the arrival of reinforcement and assistance from allies if ever a conflict breaks out.

"Ang utos ng ating Pangulo (the order of the President) is that we should be able to fight and preserve our forces for at least 20 days hanggang (to) 30 days, so 'yun yung pinaghahandaan po natin na kailangan ay kayang-kaya natin lumaban na tayo lang for about 20 to 30 days (so we are preparing for that, the ability to fight for about 20 to 30 days)," Brawner said.

The AFP chief said that this is the purpose of DAGIT-PA and other exercises. (PNA)