PHILIPPINE TROOPS WRAP UP TRAINING WITH SAF IN FINAL MISSION

A series of key buildings have been captured by the "enemy". Under the cover of smoke, a platoon of 23 Philippine Army (PA) troopers move in sections to fight into and take back the buildings.

This Platoon Urban Operations (UO) exercise on 13 Dec capped off a two-week long professional exchange between the Philippine and Singapore armies.

A total of 40 Philippine soldiers took part in the exchange, which was held from 4 to 15 Dec at the Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF) in Lim Chu Kang. They also shared their experience in the Marawi counter-terrorism operations with the SAF troops.

The exchange was conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) Infantry Training Institute (ITI). It follows an offer by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in July for the Philippines to use the SAF's urban training facilities.

Commander ITI Colonel (COL) Liew Kok Keong said that the MUTF provided a complex operating environment which allowed the PA to continue honing their UO skills.

He added that the SAF troops had also learnt from the operational experiences of their Philippine counterparts, "especially on doctrines, tactics, and procedures, as well as some of the planning considerations for urban operations".

"The friendship and bonds forged in this professional exchange will strengthen the cooperation between our two countries and help to improve the security in our region," said COL Liew.

The exchange involved troops sharing knowledge and experiences through various component training and cross-sharing sessions, as well as interacting through sports and games.

Platoon trainer Captain (CPT) Vikneshvaran S/O Chandra noted that there was mutual learning between both sides in planning for an urban attack. "We've been sharing our UO drills and training methods with the PA soldiers, and they've also done the same."

Fellow ITI trainer, Staff Sergeant Mohamad Zunairi Bin Teruna, agreed, adding that the Philippine troops were effective in adapting to their urban surroundings.

Said the Man Portable Anti-Tank/Marksman Trainer: "Some good points we observed (include) their movement and the cover that they give to one another.

"Fighting in an urban area is very complex and very open; enemies can be all around. So during movement, it's always important to be covered and be quick from point to point."