PA’s ‘Pambato’ Division showcases 13 upgraded armor vehicles

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2023): PA’s ‘Pambato’ Division showcases 13 upgraded armor vehicles (By Priam Nepomuceno)

UPGRADED. Officials of the Armor "Pambato" Division leadership attends the blessing ceremony for the newly upgraded six Armored Combat Vehicles (ACV-300) and seven re-powered Simba Fighting Vehicles at Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2023). PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier lauded newly appointed Armor Division commander Maj. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV for allocating funds for the upgrade of vital armor assets. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – In line with ongoing upgrades in the military, the Philippine Army's (PA) Armor Division on Wednesday presented 13 newly modernized armored vehicles to PA commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

These consist of six newly upgraded armored combat vehicles (ACV-300) and seven re-powered Simba fighting vehicles, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Thursday.

Enclosed weapon stations were integrated into the six ACV-300s while the seven Simba fighting vehicles received upgraded engines.

"The newly-upgraded 'Pambato' (nickname of the Armor) Division’s armor assets -- equipped with modern communication, navigation, and weapons systems -- provide close and immediate indirect fire support for maneuver units on the battlefield," he added.

The blessing ceremonies for these vehicles took place at Armor Division headquarters at Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac.

Brawner earlier lauded newly appointed Armor Division commander Maj. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV for allocating funds for the upgrade of vital armor assets.

"The newly upgraded and upcoming armor assets will bolster our capability to deal with constantly evolving threats and security challenges," Brawner said.

Aside from these modernized armored vehicles, the PA chief inspected the newly-constructed igloo-type ammunition dump of the Arrmor Division.

He said the newly built ammo dump will help in packaging properly and safely all various weapon ammunitions to avoid ammo wastage in the PA.

The facility will be used by the military to have ready access to supplies when needed. Brawner added the PA will continue to provide and support the Army’s modern warfare assets to improve the capacity of the Armor Division.

"The ammo dump is constructed so we can able to manage our ammunitions properly and prevent depletion due to unwanted fires and hazards in the camp," he added.

27 ex-rebels get livelihood packages in Quezon

Meanwhile, the 85th Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division facilitated the distribution of livelihood packages to 27 former rebels (FRs) at Barangay San Rafael, Lopez, Quezon on Jan. 24.

The event was done in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Quezon through the "Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa" (PPG) program in which each FR received a sari-sari store business package worth PHP8,000 to help them to start their new lives as they reintegrate in the society.

The PA leadership commended the 85th Infantry Battalion and the DTI-Quezon on their initiative to assist the FRs as they reintegrate into their communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193610