Army conducts large-scale ‘Katihan’ in Northern Luzon
The Philippine Army on Monday launched the third iteration of its large-scale Combined Arms Training Exercise (Catex) “Katihan” at Paredes Air Station in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, officials said on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Rhenante Salvador, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, said in his keynote remarks that the Army is committed to integrated operations. He also assured the public that the exercise would be conducted in controlled areas to protect both participants and nearby communities.
The Army did not release details of this year’s Catex Katihan, but the exercises in the past two years involved about 6,000 troops that trained on command-and-control, interoperability with other services, and readiness for high-stakes operations.
Equipment training
The exercise also involved training on Sabrah light tanks and ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzers as well as newly-procured mortar and 120mm mounted mortar systems as well as drills in lahar fields to simulate real-world terrain.
The Philippine Army said the exercise also serves as preparation for upcoming joint drills with the United States, including Salaknib-Balikatan (Sabak) Exercises and the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC-X) Exercise.
The Sabak drill is set for April this year and usually involved multiple phases across the Philippines and aims to enhance combined operations, combat capabilities and bilateral defense cooperation while reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ territorial integrity.
The JPMRC-X Exercise is set to be held in May, but the Army did not provide details of the maneuvers that are also held in Hawaii and Alaska.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete emphasized that the holistic development of personnel forms the foundation of the Army’s operational strength.
The first Katihan was held in March 2024 at the Combat Readiness Training Area in Laur, Nueva Ecija, the Army said.
