(Photo courtesy of PNA)
MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that its upcoming Dagat-Langit-Lupa (DAGIT-PA) military exercises are not intended to target China or any other country, emphasizing that the drills are focused on strengthening national defense capabilities and operational readiness.
The annual joint military exercises are scheduled from November 17 to 27, with activities taking place in areas under the Northern Luzon Command, Western Command and National Capital Region.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the exercises, whether conducted independently or alongside allied forces, are designed to prepare the military for potential security threats and emergencies.
“We have been emphasizing this – our exercises are not directed (at) any particular country. So, ang key dito is (the key here is) preparedness for any eventuality,” Padilla said in an interview with PTV-4 on Thursday.
She stressed that the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, has the right to conduct military training and strengthen its defense posture without interference from other countries.
According to Padilla, the exercises should not be interpreted as provocative actions or attempts to escalate tensions in the region.
“We should not confuse preparedness with provocation,” she said, emphasizing that defending national territory is a legitimate responsibility of every sovereign state.
Padilla added that the AFP’s priority is to improve coordination among military units, strengthen interoperability and establish a credible territorial defense capability.
The DAGIT-PA exercises will include counter-landing operations, maritime strike drills, humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities, command-and-control operations, communications training and simulated cyberattacks.
These activities are intended to test the military’s ability to respond to various security scenarios while improving coordination among the Philippine Army, Navy and Air Force.
The exercises come amid continuing maritime security challenges in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has been strengthening its territorial defense capabilities.
Despite the regional security situation, the AFP maintained that its military preparations are defensive in nature and are not directed against any particular nation.
