Ang Pahayagan

PANGASINAN — The Philippine Army successfully repelled a simulated enemy attack during a Littoral Defense Live Fire Exercise held along the coastline of Burgos, Pangasinan on March 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing third iteration of CATEX Katihan.

The exercise featured the 701st Combined Arms Brigade, which deployed various armor and artillery assets to defend coastal positions against a simulated adversary. Among the key equipment utilized during the drill were Remote Control Weapons Systems (RCWS) mounted on Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 105mm towed howitzers that delivered live-fire support.

Army reservists also demonstrated the use of combat drones to engage targets strategically positioned near the coastline, highlighting the integration of emerging technologies into modern battlefield operations.

The littoral defense drill served as one of the key highlights of the ongoing exercise, which is designed to test the Philippine Army’s Land Defense Concept in support of External Security Operations (ESO).

📸 Dismounted infantry elements and Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles defend a coastal position during the Littoral Defense Live Fire Exercise in Burgos, Pangasinan on March 9, 2026 as part of the Philippine Army’s CATEX Katihan. (PA photos)

A total of 4,222 Army personnel are participating in the unilateral training exercise, with various drills being conducted across multiple training areas in Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte.

Army Chief Lt. General Antonio G. Nafarrete, personally witnessed the live-fire drill and commended the participating troops for their professionalism and operational readiness.

During his visit, Nafarrete encouraged Army units to continue strengthening their capabilities through rigorous training to meet the challenges posed by the fast-changing global and regional security landscape.