The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army conducted a three-day Basic Life Support (BLS) and Standard First Aid (SFA) Training at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Davao de Oro, from October 29 to 31, 2026, aimed at strengthening the division's emergency response and lifesaving capabilities.
The training was facilitated by six qualified training providers from the Philippine Navy Nursing Service and involved personnel from multiple units within the division, according to a press release issued by the 10th Infantry Division's Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) on November 2, 2026.
Units and Personnel Involved
Participants came from the Emergency Response Company, Division Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Service Company, and the 10th Station Hospital (10SH), which organized and hosted the training activity.
Skills Covered in the Three-Day Program
Participants underwent lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) operation, bleeding control, wound management, and other essential first aid procedures, according to the DPAO press release.
Link to Territorial Defense and Disaster Response Exercises
The 10ID said the training directly supports its preparations for upcoming simulated Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operations and Civil Defense Operations Exercises, where Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities are considered essential in addressing emergencies arising from security crises.
The division also noted the training reinforces its readiness to provide immediate medical assistance and protect lives during External Security Operations.
10ID Commander Stresses Dual Readiness
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, underscored that territorial defense readiness extends beyond conventional military response to include civilian protection and inter-agency collaboration.
"Territorial defense readiness goes beyond our ability to respond to security threats. It also requires our troops to be prepared to protect lives, provide immediate assistance, and work alongside our civilian and inter-agency partners during emergencies. These lifesaving skills are essential in fulfilling our mission and strengthening our overall defense and civil preparedness capabilities," Maj. Gen. Luzon said.
Continued Training
According to the 10ID DPAO, the division intends to continue sustained training and inter-agency coordination to develop mission-ready forces capable of supporting both territorial defense operations and humanitarian or civil emergencies.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division DPAO / Philippine Army