403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade Philippine Army

16/10/2026

HEADS UP! | EXERCISE SURIGAO SENTINEL 2026

The Eastern Mindanao Command, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surigao City and the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, will conduct Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 in Surigao City and the Province of Dinagat Islands from October 22 to 25, 2026.

This joint inter-agency exercise will unite military units, government agencies, LGUs, reservists, responders, partner stakeholders, and communities to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who fought and defended our waters during the historic Battle of Surigao Strait. The exercise also aimed to strengthen operational readiness, joint and inter-agency interoperability, promote preparedness, humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, public service, and foster community resilience.

Four days. One mission. Shared history. Stronger partnerships. Greater readiness.

16/10/2026

At the height of the 2017 Marawi Siege, the Light Reaction Regiment (LRR) played a key role in combat operations, providing sniper support to ground troops as they advanced through the city's urban battlefield.

Known by the moniker “Tiradores de la Muerte” (Marksmen of Death), the unit's precision engagements helped protect advancing troops and support their movements across the main battle area.

Among its operating elements was a 16-member ad hoc Sniper Team associated with the distinctive “Maligno sa Tulay” patch, whose contributions became part of the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City.

Philippine Army

15/10/2026

SAVE THE DATE | EXERCISE SURIGAO SENTINEL 2026

In partnership with the LGU of Surigao City and the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, the Eastern Mindanao Command will conduct Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 in Surigao City and the Province of Dinagat Islands from October 22 to 25, 2026.

Held in commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait, this joint inter-agency exercise will bring together military units, government agencies, local government units, responders, and partner stakeholders to strengthen interoperability, operational readiness, humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, and preparedness for other human-induced emergencies.

Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 underscores the importance of honoring history through preparedness—turning remembrance into coordinated action, stronger partnerships, and greater readiness to respond to emerging security and humanitarian challenges.

Four days. One mission. Shared history. Stronger partnerships. Greater readiness.

Stay tuned to our official platforms for more information and updates.

15/10/2026

EXSS 2026 | WHAT IS EXERCISE SURIGAO SENTINEL 2026?

Guided by the theme “Beyond the Strait: Converging Historical Legacy and Multi-Domain Security,” Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 is a joint inter-agency exercise spearheaded by the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with the City Government of Surigao, the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, and other government agencies and stakeholders. The exercise will be conducted from October 22 to 25, 2026, in the Surigao Strait and other designated areas within Eastern Mindanao.

Held in commemoration of the 82nd Anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944, the exercise honors the courage, heroism, and sacrifices of those who fought during one of World War II's most significant naval engagements. It draws inspiration from this historic battle while recognizing the evolving demands of national defense and security.

Beyond its historical significance, Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 serves a vital purpose in strengthening the AFP's operational readiness amid increasingly complex security challenges. As modern defense extends across land, sea, air, cyber, and information domains, the exercise emphasizes the importance of integrated capabilities, interoperability, and coordinated action among military forces, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

To achieve these objectives, the exercise will feature a series of joint military and inter-agency activities, including Maritime Domain Awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Surface Exercise (SURFEX); Counter-Landing Live-Fire Exercise (CLLFEX); Maritime Air Strike Operations (MASO); Maritime Interdiction Exercise; Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS); Coastal Defense Exercise; and Indirect Fire Exercise.

Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) will also form part of the exercise, highlighting the importance of coordinated military and civilian responses to disasters, emergencies, and other humanitarian contingencies.

Anchored on the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), these activities aim to enhance joint operational capabilities, strengthen command and control, and validate interoperability among participating forces and agencies in support of EastMinCom's continuing transition toward external defense operations.

Equally important, the exercise serves as an investment in future readiness. By testing operational procedures, identifying capability gaps, and strengthening coordination under simulated conditions, Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 seeks to prepare participating forces and agencies to respond more effectively to emerging threats, unforeseen contingencies, and future security challenges.

More than a commemoration, Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 connects the valor of the past with the responsibilities of the present and the challenges of the future—reinforcing the AFP's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting communities, and building a capable, interoperable, and mission-ready force.

EXERCISE SURIGAO SENTINEL 2026
Beyond the Strait: Converging Historical Legacy and Multi-Domain Security

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE | From developments on the ground in Basilan to emerging information threats and concerns involving China and illegal POGO operations, AFP resource persons addressed pressing issues during a media briefing. The engagement reinforced the importance of clear, timely, and factual communication in helping the public understand current security developments.

13/10/2026

QUOTE OF THE WEEK |

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

— Frederick Douglas