Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1743478447115DRILLS 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine Marine Corps (PMC)</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — About 480 Filipino and American marines are taking part in the Marine Exercise 2025 (MAREX25) at Camp Iranun in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte from March 31 to April 11.</p><p>Camp Iranun, formerly known as Camp Abubakar, used to be the lair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and now serves as the camp of the 1st Marine Brigade.</p><p>The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially kicked off the second iteration of the bilateral exercise conducted in Central Mindanao on Monday.</p><p>“The opening ceremony brought together key participants from the PMC, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force of the USMC, 65th Division Reconnaissance Company of the Philippine Army, Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14 of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Fleet-Marine Reservists,” the PMC said in a statement.</p><p>“This diverse participation highlights the spirit of unity and collaboration in strengthening regional security,” it added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/28/us-philippines-must-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder-in-face-of-china-threat-hegseth-1036">US, Philippines must stand &#x27;shoulder to shoulder&#x27; in face of China threat: Hegseth</a></div><p>The activity is part of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) 2025 that aims to enhance interoperability between the PMC and USMC in key military operations.</p><p>BGen. Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1MB, said the MAREX was a crucial step in strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities and reinforcing its longstanding alliance with the US.</p><p>Quemado expressed confidence that the activity would enhance the operational effectiveness of both forces in addressing security challenges. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17434786110531743478607181.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine Marine Corps</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Capt. Carter Collins of the USMC Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 25.3, stressed the importance of joint training in enhancing combat readiness and fostering stronger ties between the marines of the two countries.</p><p>During this year’s MAREX, the PMC and USMC will train together in subject matter expert exchanges and combined field training exercises that will cover essential topics, such as tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), urban and jungle operations, logistics, marksmanship, and planning and orders development.</p><p>The exercise will also include community relations and humanitarian assistance activities to further engage with local communities.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/28/ph-us-japan-hold-joint-drills-in-west-ph-sea-as-chinese-navy-ship-watches-1755">PH, US, Japan hold joint drills in West PH Sea as Chinese navy ship watches</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WE6FvKUAgf4" title="US Defense Secretary reaffirms &#x27;ironclad&#x27; commitment to the Philippines | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfJhtFqv4_Q" title="Trump &#x27;thinks very fondly&#x27; of &#x27;great&#x27; Philippines, US Defense Chief tells Marcos | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>About 480 Filipino and American marines are taking part in the Marine Exercise 2025 (MAREX25) at Camp Iranun in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte from March 31 to April 11.</p>

About 480 Filipino and American marines are taking part in the Marine Exercise 2025 (MAREX25) at Camp Iranun in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte from March 31 to April 11.

Filipino, US marines kick off two-week bilateral exercise

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Filipino, US marines kick off two-week bilateral exercise

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 01, 2025 11:38 AM PHT

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Philippine Marine Corps

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