AFP chief cites 1st Brigade Combat Team’s gains, security role

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12, 2022): AFP chief cites 1st Brigade Combat Team’s gains, security role (By Priam Nepomuceno)

GOOD JOB. AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro (left) gives an award to a troop of 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) during its fourth anniversary rites at its headquarters in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Dec. 9, 2022. The 1BCT is the Philippine Army’s contingency force that is capable of addressing conventional, unconventional, and asymmetric threats. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro has commended the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) for its efforts in preserving the country's peace as it marked its fourth anniversary on Dec. 9.

“Let me commend the valiant men and women of the 1BCT under the leadership of Col. Leodevic Guinid for your significant achievements that you will all carry on for the years to come and for the future members of our Brigade Combat Team,” he said in a statement forwarded over the weekend.

During his visit to the 1BCT headquarters in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, Bacarro called the 1BCT as "one of the AFP’s primary territorial defense units since its establishment."

The 1BCT is the Philippine Army’s contingency force that is capable of addressing conventional, unconventional and asymmetric threats.

Activated in 2018, its first deployment was in Sulu to ensure peace and security in the region.

Bacarro also emphasized the importance of commitment and responsiveness in conducting “effective engagements in conventional and unconventional warfare and empowered by the concept of strategic territorial defense.”

“I ask for your continued dedication to protecting and preserving the peace in our communities. The higher headquarters will hit the ground running to ensure that we strongly capacitate our force providers, our very own front liners who gain victories for the AFP and the Filipino people, one battle at a time,” he added.

AFP holds first-ever fun run since pandemic onset

Also on Friday, the AFP hosted the first uniformed service fun-run since the Covid-19 pandemic started in 2020.

The event is part of the AFP's pre-87th anniversary activities at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Over 500 runners composed of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel from the General Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection participated in the activity in either five or ten kilometers categories.

The activity aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and develop a love for running, especially for members of the uniformed services of the government who work together for the security and welfare of the Filipino people.

Further, it intends to develop camaraderie among the members of the participating agencies. “It is in the spirit of celebrating our strength and potential that I congratulate everyone who participated in this year’s edition of the AFP anniversary fun-run,” Bacarro said in his message read by AFP assistant deputy chief-of-staff for personnel Brig. Gen. Rommel Roldan.

Wounded troops get early Yuletide gift

Last Dec. 7, troops wounded in action who are recovering at the V. Luna Medical Center (VLMC) received early Christmas gifts from the AFP.

Bacarro led the distribution of gift packs to soldiers to boost their morale and let them feel the essence of the holiday season.

He also assured the wounded troops that the AFP recognizes the sacrifices of its personnel as they perform their duties.

“As part of the noble profession of arms, we understand that our lives are always on the line in the performance of our mandate of protecting the people and the state. Rest assured that the AFP will continue providing quality programs, especially healthcare for you and your families." Bacarro said.

He also thanked the medical doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals in VLMC and other military treatment facilities for taking care of soldiers and being instrumental in their fast recovery so they can return to their respective stations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190531