The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command have started a joint training exercise focused on disaster preparedness and response, rather than combat operations.

The activity, formally opened under the Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) program, is a nine-day exercise called Exercise Tempest Express 41-2026, running from June 3 to June 11.AFP public affairs office chief Col.

Xerxes Trinidad said the exercise gathers representatives from 17 MPAT nations and 31 MPAT members, along with humanitarian organizations and civilian agencies.

The goal of the training is to strengthen disaster response planning, improve interoperability among participating countries, and enhance coordination during humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.

The exercise underscores growing cooperation between the Philippines and its international partners in addressing natural disasters, which frequently affect the region due to its geographic location.

While military forces often engage in joint drills, this specific exercise focuses on non-combat missions such as emergency response coordination, logistics management, and rapid deployment during crises.

Officials highlighted that such cooperation is essential in ensuring that countries can respond effectively to large-scale disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

The MPAT framework provides a structured platform for multinational collaboration, allowing both military and civilian stakeholders to align procedures and improve efficiency in real-world disaster scenarios.

Overall, the exercise reflects the Philippines’ continued efforts to strengthen disaster resilience through international cooperation, preparedness planning, and capacity building with allied nations.