A TOTAL of 480 soldiers both from the Philippine Marine Corps and United States Marine Corps are taking part in the Marine Exercise 2025 (MAREX), a large-scale bilateral training operation aimed at enhancing military interoperability and strengthening regional security.
The exercise, which kicked off last Sunday, March 31, at Camp Iranun, Maguindanao del Norte, will run until April 11, 2025.
The exercise, which gained support from the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Fleet-Marine Reservists, underscored the growing defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
As part of the PH-US Mutual Defense Board – Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) 2025, the drill is designed to sharpen combat readiness, enhance crisis response capabilities, and improve coordination in maritime and amphibious operations.
Key activities include joint littoral live-fire drills, amphibious assault operations, mechanized infantry tactics, and urban and jungle warfare training.
The exercise also integrates tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), surface force insertion, and logistics planning, reinforcing the ability of Philippine and U.S. forces to operate as a cohesive unit in complex security scenarios.
During the opening ceremony, Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade and exercise director, emphasized the broader significance of MAREX 2025.
He expressed confidence that the training would enhance the operational effectiveness of both forces and further solidify their partnership in addressing security challenges.
Echoing this sentiment, Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, chief of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, highlighted the importance of integrated operations.
“Interoperability is the key. It is not enough to be skilled individually—we must be able to operate seamlessly with our counterparts, whether from the Philippine Marine Corps or allied forces. MAREX 2025 provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, refine coordination, and enhance the Littoral Response Group Concept,” he said.