FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) together with his staff visited the troops in Jolo, Sulu, yesterday, February 08, 2019.
Lt. Gen. Alberto was warmly welcomed by 11ID Commander, Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr. wherein he was also apprised of the current security situation in the area. Subsequently, CGPA met and had some talks with the troops wherein he urged everyone to continue perform their task especially at this crucial moment. He also reminded the troops to remain steadfast and promised to provide the necessary support they needed.
The CGPA made the visit as a result of successive incidents in the area where Army troops have been heavily involved. It can be recalled that a twin bombing occurred on January 27 at Mt. Carmel Church in the town of Jolo where 22 persons were killed including five Army personnel and injured about a hundred others. The incident prompted the AFP to launch massive operations following the directive of President Duterte to pursue and destroy the perpetrators.
Last week, the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion under the operational direction of the 11th Infantry Division, while conducting pursuit operation in Patikul was heavily engaged with the Abu Sayyaf Group that brings eight dead and 18 wounded on the government side while undetermined on the terrorist group.
In the course of his visit, CGPA also took time to personally meet a wounded Army soldier confined at Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu and another 12 soldiers at Camp General Basilio Station Hospital at WESMINCOM, Zamboanga City. Currently, a total of 15 soldiers are still undergoing treatment due to injuries suffered during the Jolo cathedral bombing and the counter-terrorism operations in Patikul. The CGPA also extended financial assistance to each personnel to boost their morale as he expressed his gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.
The Philippine Army, being at the forefront of internal security and counter-terrorism operations continuously strive to uplift its capability to be responsive to the operational requirements of the AFP and its troops. Recently, in line with the directive of President Duterte, the Philippine Army provisionally established the 11ID which took effect on December 1, 2018. The creation of the new infantry division aims to strengthen the AFP’s current troop deployment in Sulu as well as to have a permanent presence and dedicated force that will address the peace and order problem in the area.
Moreover, one of the priority thrusts of the Philippine Army now is the improvement of its medical health services and support capabilities in order to address and meet the demand of our troops’ survivability in combat. Medical treatment facilities and procedures are continuously being upgraded to be responsive to the operational requirements of the tactical units.
Amidst the current situation, the Philippine Army shall continue to move, innovate and strategize to generate a ground force that is decisive, resilient and agile and can provide the necessary support and capability to end all threats.
The Philippine Army shall remain committed in performing its mandate to protect the country and the people in pursuit of peace and national development.#
