Army battalion receives newly procured rifles as part of modernization plan

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Army battalion receives newly procured rifles as part of modernization plan

The Battalion of Excellence Award recipient, the 79th IB “Masaligan” Battalion is now equipped with the newly procured Carbine 5.56 mm R4 A3 rifles as part of the modernization thrust of the Philippine Army.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in the Visayas, said the activity marked the fulfilment of one of the major thrusts of the Philippine Army to professionalize the organization in terms of the competence of their men and upgrade their capability.

He said the new equipment will boost the firepower capability of the battalion in security-challenged areas of Southern Negros.

The ceremonial handover of was held Sunday afternoon, attended also by 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Francisco Delfin, 79th IB commanding officer Lt Col Harold Anthony Pascua and Gov. Roel Degamo at the base camp of the Masaligan Battalion in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

During the program, 169 enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers also received their readiness badge and promotions which the 3rd ID commanding officer said is long overdue.

Guerrero said the mark of distinction given to the soldiers is a symbol of their respective professional competence in different areas such as marksmanship, physical fitness, performance, financial standing, and overall accomplishment of their mission.

Guerrero explained the division was recently given a big quota for promotion so more than 1,000 of its personnel had their pinning of ranks on Sunday.

“So let us not fail our leaders; let us not fail our countrymen and most especially do not fail yourselves,” Guerrero told the newly promoted army troopers.

According to Guerrero, the bearer of the readiness badge symbolizes a transformed army truly qualified and imbued with the values of honor, discipline, and service to God, country and people.

The army official is truly proud of the Masaligan battalion for being one of the very few army battalions that is 100 percent compliant, he said.

Guerrero also said the 79th IB is only one of the two battalions in his division that is equipped with the new rifle, the other one is the 15th IB with almost the same number of troopers with that of the 79th IB.

In his message, Gov. Degamo said he is happy with the promotion of the personnel and as governor, he is all out in support of the mission of the army in this part of the country.

He thanked the army for their efforts in declaring the province as a conflict manageable and development ready province early last year and is optimistic the dream of having a zero insurgency will be achieved this year with everybody extending their cooperation.

Degamo has reiterated his pronouncements that insurgency has no place in Negros Oriental because his administration is doing everything to win the hearts and minds of the people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=825543