AFP launches 2022 DAGIT-PA exercises

MANILA, Philippines — With more than 1,500 soldiers participating in this year’s series of training events, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday opened the 2022 Dagat-Langit-Lupa or DAGIT-PA joint exercises to be conducted in different areas in Palawan.

This year’s activities will include events on air defense, maritime security, amphibious and urban operations as well as combined arms live fire exercises and urban warfare.

Active and reserve forces from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines as well as the AFP’s special operations command and cyber group will participate in the exercises that will be also be joined by other government agencies such as the Palawan disaster risk reduction and management office and the Philippine Coast Guard.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro led the opening ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, signaling the start of the drills, which will run until Nov. 18.

The DAGIT-PA is an AFP-wide and AFP-only exercise that brings together personnel of the Philippine Navy, Air Force, Army and AFP special operations forces to level up their capabilities in sea, air and land missions.

The AFP said among the assets to be used in the exercises are the Army’s new C-206 aircraft and armored vehicles; the Navy’s patrol ship, landing dock, naval helicopters and fixed wing aircraft; the Air Force’s FA-50PH, A29B Super Tucano and C-130 aircraft, and the Marines’ amphibious assault vehicles.