Manila, Feb. 17 -- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Monday said this year's iteration of the so-called "Combined Arms Exercise" (CATEX) "Katihan" will expand to Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon and Camp Gen. Mariano Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

He said the two new venues will be in addition to the traditional training area in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

The inclusion of new training venues in the Visayas and Mindanao highlights the nationwide scope of the exercise and the need to test the large-scale movement of troops given the archipelagic nature of the country, he noted.

Galido also said "Katihan, slated from March 3 to 12, will focus on "command-and-control".

"This exercise will test our combat readiness and demonstrate...