The Philippine military and United States Marine forces have concluded their joint combat exercises in Maguindanao del Norte, marking the end of the Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2026 held from May 21 to May 28.

The drills took place in key coastal and upland areas, including Datu Blah Sinsuat and Barira, both under the 6th Infantry Division’s area of responsibility.

The exercise culminated in a live artillery fire drill conducted at a beachfront area in Datu Blah Sinsuat, specifically at the Philippine Marine Forward Operating Station in Barangay Penansaran.

Officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacaua, attended the closing ceremonies along with representatives from the Philippine Army, local government units, and peace and order councils.

They highlighted that the successful conduct of the drills demonstrates the relative peace and stability of the area, which they say can help attract more investors to the region.

Local leaders, including Vice Governor Marshall Sinsuat and business sector representatives such as Bangsamoro Business Council chair Ronald Hallid Dimacisil Torres, emphasized that the exercises send a strong signal that Datu Blah Sinsuat and surrounding municipalities are safe for business expansion and development initiatives.Torres noted that the drills support ongoing efforts to promote economic opportunities in coastal communities.Military officials, including Maj.Gen.Jose Vladimir Cagara of the 6th Infantry Division and Lt.Gen.Donald M.

Gumiran of Western Mindanao Command, expressed gratitude to local officials such as Governor Tucao Mastura and Mayor Raida Tomawis-Sinsuat for their cooperation.

They also stressed that the joint exercises involved coordination among Philippine Army artillery units and Marine brigades, strengthening interoperability and readiness.

Authorities further reiterated that the area remains free from the presence of armed groups identified as threats by security forces, reinforcing the narrative of sustained peace and stability in the region.