SERVICE members from the United States, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom will kick off Exercise Kamandag 9 on May 26, conducting training across the Philippines to enhance multinational military readiness, interoperability, and regional defense capabilities.

The US Marine Corps’ participation will be led by the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force, forward-postured from Darwin, Australia.

Kamandag — short for Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat, or “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea” — is an annual bilateral exercise led by the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps.

ALLIED FORCES. US Marines and Philippine Marine Corps personnel gather during joint training in a tropical environment ahead of Exercise Kamandag 9, which kicks off May 26, 2025. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, readiness, and regional security among allied forces. Photo courtesy of MRF-D Communications Strategy and Operations

First held in 2016, it reflects both nations’ commitment to regional security through enhanced allied and partner capabilities.

“Kamandag 9 is a clear demonstration of the strength of the US-Philippine alliance and our ironclad commitment to regional security and combined readiness,” said Col. Jason C. Armas, commanding officer of MRF-D 25.3.

“Training shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine Marine Corps partners isn’t just about building interoperability — it’s about forging trust in the crucible of shared hardship and preparing together to respond with speed and precision to any crisis, anywhere, anytime.”

The exercise will run from May 26 to June 6 across several regions in the Philippine archipelago, including Luzon, Batanes, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan.

Opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Manila.

Kamandag 9 will bring together the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces — including the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing — alongside troops from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and United Kingdom Armed Forces.

KAMANDAG. A US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 kicks up dust during a landing in a remote area of the Philippines ahead of Exercise Kamandag 9. The annual multinational training enhances regional readiness and deepens interoperability among allied forces. Photo courtesy of MRF-D Communications Strategy and Operations

This year’s expanded participation underscores the global importance of maritime security, the value of multinational maritime domain awareness, and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“This year’s Kamandag is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps. By operating jointly in complex environments, we are strengthening our capability to defend the archipelago and contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Maj. Gen. Arturo G. Rojas, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Training will include maritime key terrain security operations, defensive counter-landing live-fire drills, littoral maneuver, amphibious operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Subject matter expert exchanges will focus on logistics, engineering, special operations, unmanned aerial reconnaissance, marksmanship, air defense, medical readiness, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training.