THE PHILIPPINE Army and the Malaysian Army have strengthened defense cooperation and interoperability as they officially launched the Malaysian-Philippine Army Training Activity Land MALPHI (Malaysia-Philippines) 24/2026 during an opening ceremony held on June 1 at the headquarters of the 10th Infantry Division in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Mawab, Davao de Oro.

MALPHI is an annual bilateral training activity alternately hosted by the Philippines and Malaysia to enhance military cooperation and operational coordination between the two armies.

This year’s exercise focuses on Territorial Defense and Counter-Insurgency Warfare Operations through warfighting function exchanges and combined arms missions designed to improve the participating forces’ capabilities and readiness.

A symbolic donning of caps and armbands highlighted the opening ceremony, representing unity, operational preparedness, and the enduring partnership between the two armies.

The exercise involves 40 participants, including 20 personnel from various units of the 10th Infantry Division and 20 personnel from the Malaysian Army.

The Philippine Army reaffirmed its commitment to advancing meaningful military engagements with its ASEAN partners to promote interoperability, strengthen regional defense cooperation, and contribute to peace and security in the region.