SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showcased its capabilities through the conduct of AFP Joint Exercises (AJEX) DAGIT-PA Operations (Dagat, Langit at Lupa) held at the vicinity sea waters of Patnongon, Antique recently.
Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Kim Apitong, in a press release, said that the two-day AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” 05-2021 is the fifth of its series conducted unilaterally with the three major branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The forerunner event was “DAGIT” (Dagat at Langit) conducted between the Naval Aviation Group (NAG) of the Philippine Navy and the 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force involving an Air-Sea Battle Concept.
The concept was later expanded into “DAGIT-PA” (Dagat, Langit at Lupa) together with the Philippine Army to further enhance the AFP’s joint capability.
Apitong said that the foremost goal of the event is to integrate the major services’ capabilities through joint operations in a joint training environment in order to strengthen the interoperability among service components.
A total number of 797 AFP personnel participated in duringthe maritime operations with the participating units to include the Naval Forces Central (NFC); BRP Antonio Luna (FF151); BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17); BRP Tarlac (LD601); BRP Waray (LC288); BRP Agta (LC290); BRP Enrique Jurado (PC371); BRP Abra-
ham Campo (PC396); AW109E; NH434; NV314; BRP Fort San Felipe (AGS700); Maritime Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU); Platoon PN Reservist; Naval Construction Brigade (NCBde) Team; Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM); Naval Special Operations Unit – 5 (NAVSOU5); Fleet Training Doctrine Center (FTDC); Naval Information and Communications Technology Station – Central (NICTS-C), PN; Sikorsky S76 Search and Rescue Helicopter; C2O8 Grand Caravan, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft; FA50 Fighter Aircraft; Combat Air Controllers, 710th Special Operations Wing; Special Boat Team and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.
Series of events were conducted during the Maritime Operations Exercise. These include the Communication Exercise (COMMEX), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Air Defense Exercise (ADEX), Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX),Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(ISR), Maritime Air Surveillance, Surface Action Group Exercise (SAGEX), Publication Exercise (PUBEX), and Flashing Exercise (FLASHEX).
Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao witnessed the AFP Joint Exercises with AFP officials, namely, MGen Francisco Ariel A. Felicidario III, PA- Commander, AFPETDC/Exercise Directo, BGen Fernando M. Reyes PA, AJ8 AFP, Col. Michael G Logico , MNSA, PA- Executive Agent, MGen Robert C Dauz PA-Commander, Visayas Command, AFP, MGen Benedict M. Arevalo PA - Commander, Joint Task Force Spear, BGen Marion R. Sison PA - Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade and Lt. Col. Harold E Garcia INF (GSC) PA - Commanding Officer, 61IB. (PA/PIA- Antique)
