Army launches Exercise Dagohoy Patrol, opens Jungle Training Base

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army (PA) officially launches the country’s first-ever Exercise Dagohoy Patrol during the inauguration of the Jungle Training Base (JTB) on November 18 at the Brgy. Rizal, Batuan, Bohol.

PA’s Dagohoy Patrol, which will be conducted at the JTB, aims to enhance all PA unit operational capability and cohesiveness as well as to develop a common understanding in dealing with different military operations.

The Dagohoy Patrol, which was inspired by the Royal British Army’s Cambrian Patrol, is designed to challenge a 9-person team along a 50km course in Bohol’s rugged and mountainous terrains. Each participant is tasked to carry 50lbs of equipment for 48 hours straight while facing various military scenarios.

The scenarios include Military Briefing, River Crossing, Recon Patrol, Patrol Base Operations, Field Stripping, Field Observation, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Landmine Breaching, and Raid. Each accomplished scenarios in an allotted time will give the team points accordingly.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Aberto who led the ceremonies said, “The land on which our Jungle Training Base now stands, the same terrain which [Francisco] Dagohoy used to great advantage in his revolt against the Spaniards, will also offer similar challenges for our troops who will undergo Dagohoy Patrols and other related trainings.”

PA also intends to open the said exercise to other Armies in the ASEAN regions in the future.

“In doing so, our troops can also tap into the spirit of endurance that enabled Dagohoy and his followers to sustain a spirited and lengthy resistance against colonial rule. This attitude of bearing hardship and unwavering commitment to succeed will determine how far we go and how well we can do, not just in our Dagohoy Patrol exercises or even the Jungle Training Base, but also in our transformation into a highly professional, mobile, and agile force,” added Alberto.#