The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division closed the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise KASANGGA 2026-2 on November 11, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Headquarters 8th Division Training School in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar.
At a glance
- Event: closing ceremony of the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise KASANGGA 2026-2
- Date and place: November 11, 2026, Headquarters 8th Division Training School, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar
- Aim: strengthen operational readiness, enhance interoperability and develop the capabilities of Philippine Army and Australian Army personnel
- Message delivered by: Brig. Gen. Niceforo M. Diaz Jr., Assistant Division Commander, 8th Infantry Division, for Lt. Gen. Ronald M. Gumiran, Commanding General, Philippine Army
- Recognized: participating personnel from both armies, LGUs, partner agencies and stakeholders
- Source: 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Public Affairs Office
The bilateral exercise was designed to strengthen operational readiness, enhance interoperability, and develop the capabilities of both Philippine Army and Australian Army personnel through coordinated military training, according to the 8th Infantry Division's Public Affairs Office.
Diaz Conveys Army Chief's Message to Closing Ceremony
Brigadier General Niceforo M. Diaz Jr., Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, delivered the closing message on behalf of the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Ronald M. Gumiran.
The message recognised the participating personnel from both armies as well as partner stakeholders.
"To our friends from the Australian Army, we sincerely thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Your willingness to train with us and share your experience shows the value you place on our partnership. We are grateful for the friendship, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together," Diaz said.
Stakeholders From LGUs and Partner Agencies Recognised
During the ceremony, stakeholders were recognised and awarded for their support to the exercise. These were partnerships among the Philippine Army, the Australian Army, local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies.
The 8th Infantry Division extended its thanks to all participating units, partner agencies, local officials, and other stakeholders, the Public Affairs Office said in its release dated November 13, 2026.
Division Ties Exercise to Eastern Visayas Security Mandate
The 8th Infantry Division described international military cooperation as essential to building a well-trained, interoperable, and mission-ready force. It said the conclusion of KASANGGA 2026-2 reinforces its commitment to capability development and to maintaining a peaceful and secure Eastern Visayas.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army / Public Affairs Office