Philippine and Thai Armies Conduct Joint Humanitarian and Disaster Response Training

The Philippine Army (PA) announced on Monday, September 15, that it partnered with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) for a two-day joint humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) training exercise held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

From September 11 to 12, the training took place at the Forerunner Training Area within Libingan ng mga Bayani and involved a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE). The activities focused on several critical areas including collapsed structure search and rescue, rope rescue techniques, patient handling, and medical response operations.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson for the PA, highlighted the effective teamwork demonstrated by both forces, emphasizing their shared commitment to saving lives during emergencies. He stated, "The two-day PA-RTA HADR training reaffirms both Armies’ strong bilateral relations and reinforces the Philippine Army leadership’s push for the holistic human capital of soldiers, the organization’s most valuable resource."

During the exercise, personnel from the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion, regarded as the PA’s leading disaster response unit, showcased their search and rescue capabilities, giving the RTA members a direct insight into advanced disaster response techniques.

Additionally, the Thai delegation observed the 3rd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, an event that underscored the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to enhance nationwide disaster preparedness. Conducted on September 11 and 12, the drill simulated a magnitude 7.2 earthquake originating from the West Valley Fault affecting Metro Manila and adjoining provinces.

The objective of the exercise was to assess disaster response procedures across strategic, operational, and tactical levels involving coordination among national and regional agencies, local governments, and uniformed services.

Col. Dema-ala noted that the joint training not only improved technical expertise but also fostered camaraderie between Filipino and Thai soldiers. He reflected on the common challenges both countries face, stating, "Given our shared experiences with devastating natural disasters, this collaboration strengthens our commitment to mutual support in disaster readiness and response."

Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and along the typhoon belt, the Philippines frequently confronts severe natural calamities such as the 2013 Super Typhoon Yolanda and the 1990 Luzon earthquake, both of which caused significant loss of life and damage.

Thailand has similarly endured major disasters, including the 2011 Bangkok floods affecting millions and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impacting its southern coast.

These shared vulnerabilities have driven Manila and Bangkok to deepen their cooperation in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives, reinforcing resilience in the face of future crises.