More than 4,000 Philippine Army personnel successfully repelled a simulated enemy coastal attack during a major live-fire exercise conducted in Burgos, Pangasinan on March 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing CATEX Katihan 03-2026 military training operations.

The Littoral Defense Live Fire Exercise demonstrated the Army’s enhanced capabilities in protecting the country’s coastlines, utilizing advanced weaponry and tactical coordination between regular forces and reservists.

Advanced Military Assets Deployed

According to a press release issued March 10 by Colonel Louie G. Dema-ala, Chief Public Affairs of the Philippine Army, the 701st Combined Arms Brigade deployed sophisticated military equipment during the coastal defense simulation.

The exercise featured Remote Control Weapons Systems (RCWS) mounted on Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 105mm towed howitzers, showcasing the Army’s modernized artillery capabilities. Combat drones were also strategically deployed by reservist units, targeting simulated enemy positions positioned along the Burgos coastline.

The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles with traditional armor and artillery assets represents a significant advancement in the Philippine Army’s tactical approach to coastal defense operations.

Comprehensive Training Exercise

The littoral defense drill serves as a key component of CATEX Katihan 03-2026, the third iteration of the comprehensive army training exercise designed to test the military’s Land Defense Concept in support of External Security Operations (ESO).

A total of 4,222 Army troops are currently participating in the unilateral exercise, with training activities conducted across multiple locations in Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte provinces. The multi-site approach allows for diverse tactical scenarios and comprehensive evaluation of different units’ capabilities.

The exercise duration and scope demonstrate the Philippine Army’s commitment to maintaining high levels of readiness across various operational environments, from coastal areas to inland terrain.

Top Military Leadership Oversight

Army Chief Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete personally observed the live-fire exercise, providing direct oversight of the training operations and assessment of troop performance.

Following the drill, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete commended the participating troops for their demonstrated proficiency and tactical execution. The Army Chief emphasized the importance of continuous training excellence in addressing evolving security challenges.

“The Army Chief capped his visit by directing Army units to train hard to meet the challenges of the fast-changing global and regional security landscape,” according to the official statement from the Office of Army Civil Public Affairs.

Strategic Security Context

The coastal defense exercise occurs amid heightened regional security concerns and the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its external defense capabilities. The country’s extensive coastline, spanning over 36,000 kilometers, presents significant defense challenges requiring sophisticated military responses.

The focus on littoral defense reflects the Philippine Army’s adaptation to contemporary security threats, particularly those involving potential maritime-based attacks or amphibious assault scenarios. The integration of modern technology with traditional military tactics demonstrates the armed forces’ evolution in response to 21st-century security environments.

External Security Operations have become increasingly important as the Philippines works to protect its territorial integrity and sovereign interests in a complex regional security landscape.

Military Modernization Efforts

The deployment of Remote Control Weapons Systems and combat drones represents ongoing military modernization initiatives within the Philippine Armed Forces. These technological upgrades enhance the military’s operational effectiveness while reducing personnel risk during combat operations.

The 105mm towed howitzers provide critical artillery support for coastal defense scenarios, offering both mobility and firepower necessary for rapid response to various threat situations. The combination of armored vehicles, artillery, and unmanned systems creates a comprehensive defensive capability.

Reserve force integration into advanced military exercises demonstrates the Army’s commitment to developing multi-component operational capabilities, ensuring both regular and reserve units maintain high proficiency levels.

Regional Training Impact

While the exercises took place in Northern Luzon, the training implications extend nationwide, including potential applications for coastal defense scenarios relevant to Negros Oriental and other island provinces throughout the Philippines.

The tactical knowledge and operational procedures developed during CATEX Katihan 03-2026 will likely influence defense planning for coastal areas across the archipelago, including the Visayas region where similar geographical challenges exist.

Local communities in Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte are experiencing the economic benefits of hosting major military exercises, including increased activity for local suppliers and service providers supporting the thousands of participating personnel.

Future Training Operations

The success of the March 9 littoral defense exercise sets the foundation for continued advanced training operations throughout 2026. The Philippine Army’s commitment to regular, comprehensive training exercises ensures sustained readiness levels across all operational units.

The CATEX Katihan series represents an ongoing investment in military preparedness, with each iteration incorporating lessons learned from previous exercises and adapting to emerging security challenges facing the Philippines.

The exercises also serve as valuable assessment opportunities for military leadership to evaluate unit capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and guide future equipment acquisition and training program development.

Photo credit: SSg. Cesar P. Lopez PA/OCPA