BY Vicente Pichon IV | MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — The Philippine Army, through the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division and the 1001st Infantry (Pag-Asa) Brigade, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, formally opened the Inter-Agency Territorial Defense and Civil Defense Operations Exercise dubbed “Eagle’s Hope 2026” in Mati City on May 16, 2026.
The opening ceremony was led by Major General Alvin V. Luzon, together with Brigadier General Vince James D. Bantilan, Nelson Dayanghirang, Edwin Ignacio Jubahib, and Raul Mabanglo.
In his message, Major General Luzon emphasized that “Eagle’s Hope 2026” demonstrates the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to strengthening regional security and enhancing disaster response preparedness.
Governor Dayanghirang underscored the importance of unity among the government, military, and partner agencies in sustaining peace and stability in local communities. He added that the exercise aims to transform Davao Oriental from fear to opportunity, and from conflict to peace and development.
Brigadier General Bantilan said the training exercise serves as a platform to reinforce regular and realistic inter-agency coordination, further improving the readiness and responsiveness of all stakeholders involved in security and disaster response operations.
The nine-day exercise is designed to enhance operational readiness, interoperability, and coordination among the military, local government units, civil defense authorities, and other partner agencies in addressing potential security threats, natural disasters, and various emergencies within the Joint Task Force Agila area.
“Eagle’s Hope 2026” will run until May 24, 2026, and will be conducted in Barangays Pundaguitan and Lavigan in Governor Generoso. Organizers expect the exercise to further strengthen collaboration among government agencies in protecting both the people and the nation’s territory. #
