Philippine Army Expands 2025 ‘Katihan’ Exercise to Visayas and Mindanao

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido announced that the 2025 ‘Combined Arms Exercise’ (CATEX) ‘Katihan’ will extend its reach to new locations in Bukidnon and Capiz, in addition to the usual training ground at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. This expansion underscores the exercise’s national scope and the necessity to evaluate troop mobility across the Philippines’ island geography. Scheduled from March 3 to 12, ‘Katihan’ will emphasize command-and-control operations, aiming to enhance the Army’s combat readiness and operational precision. Approximately 6,000 troops will participate, engaging with heavy weaponry such as tanks and artillery. Galido highlighted the importance of command-and-control for seamless coordination with the Navy and Air Force. The exercise also marks the celebration of the Philippine Army’s 128th founding anniversary, themed ‘Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.’