Army Organizes for the Win in 2009
In its efforts to continuously train, equip, and organize the Army
organization, the Philippine Army has activated numerous units in 2009
with the end in view of delivering lasting peace and stability in the
country.
For Civil Military Operations (CMO), the Philippine Army activated the
4th, 5th, and 10th CMO Battalions. This is in line with the
non-traditional approaches promoted by the Philippine Army to win the
hearts and minds of all the Filipinos, including the NPA rebels. This is
also aimed at forming a strong partnership with all the stakeholders
that is more potent and lasting than any armed or military solution. The
Army's CMO Battalions perform tasks such as providing projects and
social services to the people and community, and organizing for
development aimed at uplifting the lives of the people especially in
rebel-infested communities.
Likewise, to address the force requirements of Infantry Divisions who
are at the forefront in the fight against insurgency, three Infantry
Battalions were activated by Army Chief Lt Gen Delfin N Bangit in the
past year. Simultaneously activated were the 81st Infantry Battalion in
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija and the 82nd Infantry Battalion in Camp
Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz on May 1, 2009. The 83rd Infantry Battalion, on
the other hand, was activated last June 16, 2009 at Kuta Elias Angeles
in Pili, Camarines Sur. The activation of said battalions was aimed at
augmenting the Army forces against the hostile NPA rebels. In addition,
the newly-activated battalions are also capable of conducting
nation-building activities and peace and development initiatives.
Only months after their activation, said infantry battalions have
already delivered wins for the Philippine Army to include arrests of New
People's Army members, recovery of the NPA's arm caches, and
neutralization of various enemy encampments. The activation of CMO
Battalions, on the other hand, has been instrumental to the continuous
surrender of NPA rebels who have renounced armed struggle to embrace a
life of peace.
The activation of the Infantry and CMO battalions is a fulfilment of the
commanding general's commitment to deliver the winning shots for the AFP
in the final phase of the campaign in making communist insurgency
irrelevant by 2010. With 2010 deadline ahead, the Philippine Army shall
continue to ensure a winning stance for a more peaceful and progressive
Philippines. #
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