BAGUIO CITY — The Philippines-Australia Army to Army exercises dubbed “Kasangga” 01-2024 started Monday at the 5th Infantry “Star” Division (5ID) headquarters, in Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Barangay Upi, Gamu town in Isabela.
“Kasangga” 01-2024, set to conclude on June 21, 2024, seeks to enhance the capabilities of both force s in jungle and urban operations, breaching operations, tactical casualty care, jungle survival training, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
It also includes the sharing of experiences between the 5ID and the Australia Defense Force (ADF) troops in combating terrorist groups.
“Kasangga” 01-2024 was opened by 5th ID Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco with Major Michael Cracknell of the Joint Australian Training Team- Philippines (JATT-P) Coordinator of the Australian Embassy Manila and Major Lindsay Pritchard, 1st Battalion Commanding Officer represented the Australian Army contingent.
Enginco believes that “Kasangga” will strengthen the ties not only between the Philippines and Australia but also between the Philippine Army and the Australian Defense Force.
He thanked the Philippine Army leadership and the Department of National Defense for the opportunity as he emphasized the significant benefits of t he training.
“Not only in strengthening relations with the Australians but also in gaining knowledge and experience from them,” Enginco said.
“This train ing also allows the Startroopers to work alongside their foreign army counterparts in enhancing capabilities to ensure security against future threats,” he added.
The Australian Defense Force contingent consists of 50 personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Australian Army while the Philippine Army contingent comprises 100 from the 86th Infantry Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division.
MANILA, Philippines — The San Miguel Beermen exploded in the second half and showed the Terrafirma Dyip the end of the road in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 110-91 demolition Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
San Miguel is going to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup and will face either the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters or the TNT Tropang Giga.
Reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo flexed his muscles in the interior with 25 points and 22 rebounds. Terrence Romeo added 19 off the bench.
After leading by just one, 45-44, at the half, the Beermen started to wax hot and unleashed a 24-9 run to go up by 16, 69-53, at the 4:13 mark of the third quarter.
Terrafirma tried to claw their way back in the fourth quarter, inching to just 11, 76-87, with a triple by Andreas Cahilig.
A 9-0 run capped by a jumper by Fajardo put the game at an insurmountable 20 point lead, 96-76.
Javi Gomez de Liano pulled the Dyip to just 15, 83-98, but Don Trollano and Fajardo put the finishing touches and secured the semifinal berth.
“Of course, our energy. We came out in the start of the game, we pressured a lot, and we brought them out of their comfort zone,” San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent told reporters after the game.
“The energy and the discipline on defense today really worked.”
Trollano and CJ Perez produced 18 markers apiece for the Beermen, while Jericho Cruz had 11.
Gomez de Liano spearheaded Terrafirma with 23 points and six rebounds.
Stephen Holt and Juami Tiongson chipped in 18 each for the Dyip, who forced the do-or-die after a surprising win last week.
The Beermen shot 49% from the field, making 46-of-93 attempts, compared to the Dyip’s 43%.