1FAB deploys soldiers to augment troops in Sulu

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27): 1FAB deploys soldiers to augment troops in Sulu 

Some 31 soldiers from the 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment headed Saturday for Jolo, Sulu to augment the troops from the Western Mindanao Command (WeMinCom) conducting military operations against terror groups and lawless elements.

Col. Jacinto Bareng, chief of staff of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, led the sendoff ceremony at Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an with soldier’s friends, families and loved ones as well members of the media.

Bareng expressed high hopes that as one of the best performing units of the Army Artillery Regiment, the soldiers and officers of the 1FAB will be able to execute and fulfill their mission in Jolo.

Lt.Col. Hubert Acierto, commanding officer of the 1FAB said the team would join the military units in Jolo in support of the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to intensify the government’s campaign against the terrorism.

 “Our troops-- Bravo battery of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion will be deployed in support to the military offensive against ASG,” Acierto said .

“Pinapakita po natin ang ating suporta at respeto sa mga sundalo na itatalaga sa Jolo, Sulu sa  pagbibigay sa kanila ng simpleng seremonya na kung saan sinaluduhan natin at binigyan ng blessing sa pamamagitan ng pagdilig sa kanila at ng kanilang armaments ng holy water,” Acierto said. (We show our support and respect to the soldiers to be assigned in Jolo, Sulu by providing them a simple but fitting sendoff ceremony where we give them salute and have their armaments sprinkled with a holy water).

“We also keep them in our prayers as they fulfill their mandate in protecting the lives of our people,” he added.

Capt. Dandy T. Nelmida, the Bravo battery commander said the troops were happy that their superior officers paid respect on them.

 “We are ready to fulfill our mission to save lives and protect the property of our people,” Nelmida added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371474875962/1fab-deploys-soldiers-to-augment-troops-in-sulu-