Philippine Army celebrates 119TH founding anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 23): Philippine Army celebrates 119TH founding anniversary  

PAGADIAN CITY – The first Infantry (Tabak) Division (1ID), Philippine Army in collaboration with the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, and 1st Field Artillery Battalion (FAB), Army Artillery Regiment held a static capability display and information caravan on March 21-22 at Gaisano Capital Mall, this city.

The activity was held in celebration of the 119th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army with the theme “Serving the people, securing the land.”

LtCol. Benedicto Manquiquis, commanding officer of the 1st Civil Military Operations Unit (1CMOU) said the activities showcased the army’s capabilities to the public such as war fighting equipment, humanitarian assistance, disaster capabilities and recruitment program.

Part of the celebration included static display of weapons, squad demonstration, photo gallery, audio-visual presentation, army recruitment booth and concert for the public to be aware of the programs and services of the Philippine Army.

“We are doing these activities annually to highlight the founding anniversary of the Philippine Army and to show our younger generation the capabilities of the institution,” Manquiquis said.

Capt. Marvin Aquino of the 1st Cavalry Squadron said the unit provided support services by sending two (2) Simba armored personnel carrier and combat ambulance.

“We are displaying the Simba armored personnel carrier (APC) for the public to be aware of the war fighting capabilities of the Army,” Aquino said.

“We also want to remove the stigma that weapons are just for war by allowing the public to ride the vehicles,” Aquino said, adding that it is the usual impression of the public that whenever they see APCs, there is war.

1st FAB civil-military operations officer Captain Holly John Godinez said the unit sent one (1) M101A1 105 mm Light Howitzer to support the activities initiated by the 1ID.

“We sent light field artillery weapon to be included in the static display as our support in the celebration of the 119th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army,” Godinez said.

“The public can touch and even take souvenir pictures of the weapon,” Godinez said. The light howitzer was used during the clashes between the AFP and extremist group in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371458700320/philippine-army-celebrates-119th-founding-anniversary-