Maguindanao del norte: Members of the Philippine Navy, through the Philippine Marine Corps, together with the United States Marine Corps under the Marine Expeditionary Force, are in the thick of training for the Marine Exercise 2026 (MAREX26) at Camp Iranun in Barangay Togaig, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte. The exercise began on May 18 and will run until May 29. It is the third time MAREX has been held in Maguindanao del Norte, underscoring the strong alliance between the Philippines and the United States to promote regional security, operational readiness, and collective defense cooperation.

According to Philippines News Agency, MAREX26 is being held under the Mutual Defense Board - Security Engagement Board framework, with participation by personnel from the Philippine Marines, US Marine Corps, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force, and Marine Reservists. In a statement Thursday, Brig. Gen. Larry Batalla, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Barira town, said the training activities include maritime security operations, amphibious and mechanized maneuvers, littoral live-fire drills, and special operations training to strengthen interoperability and coordinated response capabilities in increasingly complex operational environments.

'The MAREX26 is more than just a joint exercise; it is a gathering of warriors united by trust, discipline, and a shared mission,' he said. Battalla noted that although soldier-participants come from different nations and wear different uniforms, they remain united in their goal of strengthening readiness, partnership, and regional stability. He also expressed hope that future MAREX exercises would evolve into a broader multilateral platform for cooperation.