By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Around 600 soldiers will descend on this island province this week as the Armed Forces of the Philippines stages a two-day joint military exercise in Dinagat Islands designed to test troops and local authorities against simulated combat scenarios and man-made disasters.
Dubbed “Exercise Surigao Sentinel 01-2026,” the drills set for Oct. 22 and 23 will involve live-fire tests, troop movements, and war game maneuvers across key staging areas in the province.
In a joint public advisory, provincial and defense authorities urged Dinagatnons to stay calm and avoid panic, reassuring communities that any loud explosions, gunfire, or sudden influx of military hardware are completely controlled by the AFP.
To ensure maritime safety during the live-fire maneuvers, authorities slapped a strict “no-sailing” policy across affected coastal waters throughout the two-day period. Fisherfolk and passenger boat operators were instructed to keep their vessels docked and heed maritime advisories issued by the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and municipal disaster risk reduction offices.
Residents were likewise advised to steer clear of exercise perimeters, stay indoors when drills are underway in their vicinities, and refrain from livestreaming or vlogging troop maneuvers so as not to disrupt operations.
Defense and local officials also appealed to the public to act responsibly online, warning residents against posting unverified reports, wild rumors, or fake information on social media that could trigger unwarranted panic.
Authorities stressed that the large-scale war games are purely preparatory, intended to fortify the island province’s defense posture and ensure that both state forces and local emergency units can respond swiftly to real-world threats.
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