26/10/2026
4ID joins Exercise Surigao Sentinel 01-2026 to strengthen territorial defense and inter-agency coordination
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, led by Major General Marion T. Angcao, joined the Eastern Mindanao Command and partner agencies in Exercise Surigao Sentinel 01-2026, a multi-agency territorial defense exercise conducted across Surigao City and the Province of Dinagat Islands from October 23 to 25, 2026.
Anchored on the theme, “Beyond the Strait: Converging Historical Legacy and Multi-Domain Security,” the exercise aimed to strengthen the country’s territorial defense posture along the eastern seaboard through coordinated military operations, inter-agency cooperation, and the integration of civilian government institutions, reservists, and local communities.
Prior to the formal opening ceremony, a press briefing was held at the Provincial Capitol in Surigao City, led by Colonel Rosa Maria Cristina Rosete-Manuel, EastMinCom spokesperson. “Territorial defense is not measured by military capability alone, but by our ability to anticipate challenges, make sound decisions, and act together when it matters most. This requires a capable and adaptable force, responsive government institutions, ready reservists, and informed and resilient communities,” said Colonel Rosa Maria Cristina Rosete-Manuel.
Meanwhile, related exercise activities were conducted at Eva Macapagal Port in Surigao City and in Barangay Santa Cruz, San Jose, Dinagat Islands, headed by EastMinCom, in partnership with the provincial government. These activities formed part of the broader exercise, highlighting the importance of coordinated operations in strengthening territorial defense, emergency preparedness, and collective security along the country’s eastern seaboard.
The opening ceremony brought together more than 600 personnel and representatives from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, reserve units, law enforcement agencies, maritime security organizations, civilian government institutions, local government units, and other partner stakeholders.
Brigadier General Benjamin L. Leander, Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, personally supervised the preparations during the rehearsal and gave guidance to all involved personnel, underscoring the significance of operational readiness, effective coordination, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the successful ex*****on of the activity.
Lieutenant General Edmundo G. Peralta, The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), attended the opening ceremony at BERT 1, Eva Macapagal Wharf, Surigao City and delivered the message of General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP). The message emphasized the importance of operational readiness, inter-agency collaboration, and a unified approach to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The exercise featured simulated operational scenarios designed to test the participating agencies’ ability to respond to complex security challenges through synchronized planning, information-sharing, and coordinated action. Demonstrations highlighted capabilities in territorial defense, maritime security, rescue operations, and inter-agency crisis response.
Participating 4ID units included the Service Support Battalion, 4th Artillery Battalion, 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, 4th Cavalry Battalion, 10th Forward Service Support Unit, and troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, whose area of responsibility covers Surigao del Norte and the Dinagat Islands. Their participation underscored the Division’s commitment to strengthening operational readiness and enhancing coordination with partner forces and civilian agencies.
The Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force contributed their respective maritime and air capabilities, including naval vessels and a Black Hawk helicopter.
The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, reservists, and other participating agencies also demonstrated their roles in responding to simulated operational situations.
On the other hand, in Dinagat Islands, related activities under the exercise highlighted the importance of local government participation and the reserve force in strengthening territorial defense and community resilience. Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. underscored the province’s historical significance during the Battle of Surigao Strait in World War II, recalling the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamashiro in the vicinity of the island province. “History tells us that we, Filipinos, never measure courage by the number of our enemies or by the weapons arrayed against us. Our courage has always been measured by what we are willing to stand for, sacrifice for, and when necessary, fight for,” Honorable Demerey said.
The exercise culminated on October 25, 2026, with a wreath-laying ceremony at Punta Bilar, Barangay Lipata, Surigao City, honoring the Surigaonons who fought and sacrificed during World War II, particularly during the historic Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944. The commemoration paid tribute to their courage and sacrifice while reinforcing the importance of preserving peace and preventing future conflicts.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves “Paul” L. Dumlao II also delivered a message expressing appreciation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, partner agencies, international representatives, and local stakeholders for their contributions to the exercise. He highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation in preserving the city’s historical legacy while strengthening peace, security, and preparedness for future challenges.
Representatives from the United States, Australia, and Japan joined the ceremony to pay tribute to the fallen and recognize the importance of peace, international cooperation, and regional stability. The observance included the offering of flowers, a 21-gun salute, the lighting of a ceremonial torch, naval ceremonial honors, and the raising of the flags.
During the closing activities, Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command also conveyed the message of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of unity, sustained preparedness, and inter-agency cooperation in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Through Exercise Surigao Sentinel 01-2026, the 4ID and its partner organizations reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated, whole-of-nation approach to territorial defense. By integrating military capabilities, strengthening inter-agency partnerships, and drawing lessons from the region’s historical legacy, the exercise advanced collective preparedness and resilience in protecting the country’s eastern seaboard.