The Philippine Army held a send-off ceremony for Army troops who are part of the first-ever large-scale Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) “Katihan” at the Combat Readiness Training Area in Barangay Canantong, Laur, Nueva Ecija on March 8, 2024.
5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, as well as CATEX "Katihan" High Command Commander, emphasized the importance of the said exercise in bolstering the Army’s shift to territorial defense operations. “Igalang at magtiwala tayo sa kakayahan ng ating kapwa Pilipino. Huwag nating i-asa lamang sa ibang lahi ang ating kalayaan at kinabukasan. Walang magmamalasakit at magmamahal sa Pilipinas, kung hindi tayong mga Pilipino. Walang tutulong sa Pilipino, kung hindi kapwa Pilipino,” Maj. Gen. Pasia said in his remarks. TRADOC Commander Maj. Gen. Rex Luis D. Bergante also graced the ceremony.
CATEX “Katihan” effectively tests the Army’s capability to move, maneuver, and sustain large-scale forces during combat operations. As the Philippine Army evolves its unit trainings in order to address the fast-changing security environment, it is paramount to conduct the CATEX. The design of the various unit trainings involving different warfighting functions will be integrated in order to exercise combined arms operations as the highest form of unit training involving maneuver, maneuver support, maneuver service support and reserve units.
The exercise, which is anchored on PA Implementing Plan “Maragtas,” will wrap up on March 18, 2024 through an After Activity Review that will be held at the Training and Doctrine Command's headquarters in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Photos by Pvt Divino S. Lozano/OACPA