OVER 60 kilometers of rugged, mountainous terrain and a grueling 48-hour long-range march tested the physical and tactical mettle of Philippine Army troops during the Mindanao leg of Katihan Patrol 2026, which concluded on October 23 at Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
When the dust settled at the Combat Readiness Training Area (CRTA) Mindanao, the 66th Infantry Battalion, representing the 10th Infantry Division, emerged as the top-performing unit, clinching first place in the high-intensity combat readiness evaluation.
The 100th Infantry Battalion (11th Infantry Division) and the 37th Infantry Battalion (6th Infantry Division) secured second and third places, respectively.
Held from October 19 to 23, the exercise brought together elite platoons from six major Army units across Mindanao, including the 1st Infantry Division’s 106th Infantry Battalion, the 4th Infantry Division’s 36th Infantry Battalion, and the Combat Engineer Regiment’s 7th Combat Engineer Company (503rd CEB).
Designed to simulate realistic warfighting conditions, participating soldiers were required to carry an individual combat load of at least 25 kilograms—comprising rifles, ammunition, and battle gear—while navigating complex tactical scenarios to test leadership, field discipline, and decision-making under stress.
4ID Commander MGEN Marion T. Angcao commended the participating troops during the closing ceremony for their professional drive and operational excellence.
“The exercise paved the way for enhanced combat readiness, greater interoperability, and improved individual performance, ultimately contributing to the development of a cohesive and capable fighting platoon,” Angcao said.
Army officials noted that Katihan Patrol 2026 is a critical pillar in raising training standards to support the military’s broader Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations (CADO) framework.
The event was organized by the exercise directorate led by COL Wilfredo C. Martin Jr., 4ID chief of staff, with support from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training (OG8), headed by COL Vincent M. Viray.