SAN MIGUEL, BULACAN—The Philippine Army has kicked off its first-ever “Katihan” Patrol, a six-day exercise designed to enhance the operational capabilities of its participants, with activities centered around the challenging terrain of Bulacan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inaugural event, which began with a send-off ceremony at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters in Camp Tecson, is attended by 153 personnel from various Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs). Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, outlined the objectives of the exercise. “‘Katihan’ Patrol 2024 aims to comprehensively assess the operational capabilities of participants through a demanding 50-kilometer patrol exercise covering Bulacan’s rugged terrain,” he said.
The exercise is modeled after the United Kingdom’s prestigious Exercise Cambrian Patrol, in which the FSRR previously won silver medals in 2019 and 2023. The “Katihan” Patrol is set to test the soldiers’ skills in a wide range of military disciplines, including military briefing, close-quarter battle, handling of prisoners of war, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense. Additional challenges will involve reconnaissance patrols, river crossing, patrol base operations, call for fire procedures, land mine breaching, explosive identification, tactical combat casualty care, jungle raids, and marksmanship.
Dema-ala emphasized the strategic importance of the exercise, stating, “This activity will also prepare tactical units to be at par with allied forces worldwide that participate in international military training activities and exercises.”
The “Katihan” Patrol marks a significant step in the Philippine Army’s ongoing efforts to elevate the proficiency and readiness of its forces, aligning them with international military standards and practices.