THE 10TH Infantry Division officially opened the Agila Patrol Challenge (Platoon Challenge) 2026 on Sunday, July 26, gathering infantry units for an intensive, seven-day competition aimed at elevating combat readiness, leadership, and operational tactical skills.
Colonel Silas Trasmontero, Chief of Staff of the 10th Infantry Division, presided over the opening ceremony at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., emphasizing the vital role of continuous training in maintaining tactical dominance and military professionalism across the Agila Division’s ranks.
The high-stakes event features elite platoons from all organic infantry battalions under the 10th Infantry Division, alongside a participating team from the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG) competing in the male category.
In a strong demonstration of gender integration and operational capability, the competition also features a dedicated female category comprising platoons from the division’s three infantry brigades and the 10ID Headquarters—highlighting the expanding role of female troopers in front-line readiness and mission execution.
Over the seven-day exercise, participating units will navigate demanding combat scenarios designed to reflect modern battlefield conditions, including:
- Combat Fundamentals: Military planning, advanced marksmanship, mobility, and tactical communications.
- Specialized Operations: Close Quarter Battle (CQB), tactical raid operations, and handling of prisoners of war (POWs).
- Field Medicine & Support: Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) and integrated combat support execution.
Pivoting toward external security
As the Davao Region and adjacent areas maintain their insurgency-free status, the division is leveraging exercises like the Patrol Challenge to transition its focus from internal security operations toward broader External Security Operations (ESO).
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, stressed that the competition directly validates the operational readiness of the Army’s fundamental maneuver units.
“The Agila Patrol Challenge validates the readiness of our platoons—the Army’s fundamental maneuver units—to operate decisively in today’s evolving security environment,” Luzon stated. “As we sustain the peace we have achieved across our area of responsibility, we must continuously sharpen our warfighting capability for External Security Operations.”
Luzon added that the training ensures every Agila trooper remains adaptive, highly disciplined, and fully prepared to fulfill the Philippine Army’s mission of building a world-class, cross-domain capable force.
