5-day maritime defense drill set for eastern Mindanao seaboard

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), will mount Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 from October 20 to 25 across Surigao City and Dinagat Islands, marking a pioneering territorial defense drill on the country’s eastern seaboard and the first of its kind in the Caraga region.

For years, the country’s maritime defense concerns have centered mostly on the West Philippine Sea, which China is claiming as part of the South China Sea.

READ: PH leads 8-nation naval exercise in West Philippine Sea

Article continues after this advertisement

Next week, however, military planners will turn their sights to the country’s eastern flank to test operational readiness against possible foreign incursions along the Pacific seaboard.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Carrying the theme “Beyond The Strait: Converging Historical Legacy and Multi-Domain Security,” the six-day maneuver coincides with the 82nd commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait—the decisive October 25, 1944 clash between American and Japanese naval forces remembered as the last battleship-to-battleship engagement in naval history.

Top military officials are expected to attend, with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and senior defense officials scheduled to join frontline activities in Surigao City on October 23.

Live-fire drills in Melgar Bay

Speaking at a media briefing in Butuan City on October 12, Lt. Col. Gerard John Saldo, representing EastMinCom, said that at least  600 personnel and assets from the AFP’s navy, air force, and army will participate in the maritime drills.

Article continues after this advertisement

The AFP forces will operate alongside civilian and law enforcement partners, including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Saldo said the PCG will help secure Melgar Bay in the municipality of Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, where a multi-domain simulation exercise involving live ammunition is scheduled for October 22.

Article continues after this advertisement

Under Notice to Mariners CGSDI-0926-001 issued by Coast Guard Station Dinagat Islands, all fishing, sailing, and navigation will be strictly restricted within designated coordinates during the live-fire phase to protect life and property at sea.

READ: Teodoro: Collective action key to protecting PH maritime domain

“This exercise aims to test the capabilities of the AFP and other members of the security sector in times of external security threats,” Saldo said, noting that movement of personnel and assets will begin on Oct. 20. “Residents need not worry about this because this is part of the whole military exercise.”

The strategic drill will place Dinagat Islands under a simulated serious external threat scenario on October 21 and 22, testing not only armed combat units but the entire civilian disaster and social apparatus.

Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. declared a class suspension during the two-day exercise to ensure the safety of students, educators, and the public.

In support of the naval drill, the provincial government has allocated P1 million as counterpart fund.

READ: Marcos to Navy: Boost capabilities, PH will never be intimidated

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Civilian agencies—including the Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local medical groups—are integrated into the drill, focusing on civilian support operations and psychosocial interventions, particularly for children./coa