CAPAS, Tarlac — The Philippine Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted their first-ever combined live-fire exercise during Exercise Salaknib 2026 at the lahar fields of Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Barangay Santa Juliana here from May 1 to 2.
The drills were led by the Philippine Army’s Armor “Pambato” Division and involved more than 200 troops from the 1st Tank Battalion using four Sabrah Light Tanks. Around 40 personnel from the JGSDF’s Recon Combat Battalion of the 12th Brigade also joined the exercise, deploying four Maneuver Combat Vehicles.
The combined activities included a Subject Matter Expert Exchange on May 1 and a live-fire exercise on May 2.
According to the Philippine Army, the exercise simulated tactical operations involving locating enemy forces, fixing their position, and destroying targets. Troops also practiced safety and troubleshooting procedures for possible weapon malfunctions and misfires to ensure operational safety and mission continuity during combat operations.
Among those who witnessed the drills were Philippine Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados, Armor Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo, JGSDF 12th Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Yoshifumi Ogura, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Executive Director Undersecretary Antonio Habulan, and US Army Pacific 25th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees.
The Philippine Army said Salaknib 2026 supports its ongoing transition to external security operations through joint training with the US Army Pacific and partner nations.
The Salaknib exercises will continue from May to June 2026 following the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan on May 8.
TOP 📸: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maneuver Combat Vehicles maneuvers across the lahar fields during the first combined live-fire exercise between the Philippine Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Santa Juliana, Capas, Tarlac on May 2, 2026.
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