Philippines-Aussie military drill launched

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Officials launched a joint Philippine-Australian military exercise at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday.

The launch of the Philippine-Australian Army-to-Army Exercise 2023-1 was spearheaded by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido of the Western Mindanao Command and Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) hosted the event.

Marles is also Australia’s defense minister.

“We are honored to host this exercise at Camp Siongco,” Rillera said.

The camp is the command center of the 6ID.