US, PH marines hold joint live-fire exercise

MARINES from the Philippines and the United States on Saturday held a joint live-fire exercise to showcase their interoperability during conflict situations.

The exercise, Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 24, started on June 3 at the headquarters of the 4th Philippine Marine Brigade in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

The troops fired howitzers at a floating target several meters from the coastline.

The 4th Marine ‘’MAKUSUG’’ Brigade (4MBDE) conducted the Unilateral Littoral Live Fire Exercise (LLFEX) as part of the Marine Aviation Support Activities 24 (MASA 24) at Headquarters 4MBDE, Camp Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Photo from Philippine Navy

Brig. Gen. Vicente Blanco, commander of the 4th Marine Brigade, oversaw the command and control center during the exercise.

Philippine Marine Corps Public Affairs Office Director Capt. Marites Alamil said MASA is held annually and focuses on mutual defense, strengthening relationships and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts.

Both forces also conducted Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) at the grounds of the Philippine Marine headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

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The TCCC covers three phases: care under fire, tactical field care and casualty evacuation procedures.

Participants simulated providing care under fire, assessing injuries and patient status, applying tourniquets for massive bleeding, and evacuating patients to secure locations.

MASA 24 will end on June 21.