THE 10TH Infantry (Agila) Division launched its Inter-Agency Territorial Defense and Civil Defense Operations Exercise in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on May 16, to bolster operational readiness and crisis coordination among government stakeholders within the Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila’s area of responsibility.
Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang served as the guest of honor and speaker for the opening ceremony.
The event drew a significant assembly of military leadership, local government executives, and civil defense authorities. Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan , Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, is leading the operational coordination for the provincial-level exercise.
The exercise spans nine days and features various capability development and simulation activities designed to synchronize the responses of the military, local government units and partner agencies to security threats, natural disasters, and other public welfare contingencies.
Major General Elmer Suderio, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3), praised the initiative, stressing that unity among stakeholders is critical to safeguarding national security.
In an interview, Major General Alvin Luzon, 10th Infantry Division commander, said the exercise reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment to a “whole-of-nation” approach. It is part of a strategic shift as JTF Agila increases its focus on external security operations.
“This is the first exercise of this scale conducted within Joint Task Force Agila,” Luzon said. “We intend to institutionalize and expand this initiative across provinces and eventually throughout the region. This is not purely military in nature; it integrates the vital participation of civilian agencies and local government units.”
The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Governor Edwin Jubahib (Davao del Norte); Governor Raul Mabanglo (Davao de Oro); and director Eugenio Gepte Jr. (Office of Civil Defense Central Office).
The 10ID plans to gradually expand these exercises to its other two infantry brigades, eventually covering the entire Agila Division area.
