Tarlac weapons arsenal gets big upgrade

From the Manila Times (Mar 8, 2023): Tarlac weapons arsenal gets big upgrade (By Jerry M. Hernandez)

CAPAS, Tarlac: The Philippine Army's weapons arsenal Armor Division is poised to maintain its good standing in terms of combat strength as it upgraded its capability through the initial delivery of new assets.

The new weapons are ACV 300 and ASCOD 2 Sabrah Light Tank, under Horizon 2 of the Revised Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Delivery of all equipment is expected to be completed by the second semester of 2023.

Maj. General Facundo Palafox 4th, Armor Division commander, noted that they enhanced the new assets in terms of engine, armaments, technology, and cannon to further shore up the country's capability to address threats and security challenges.

"We are trying to come up with a very credible and robust organization to be able to protect and defend our country. We do not expect any conflict in the immediate future wherein we will be deploying this equipment. The important thing is we have them in case we need them," he said.

"This will bring a positive impact in terms of combating terrorism and internal security threats, and conducting external defense operations," Palafox added.

Following this, Armor troops will undergo training to improve their skill set in utilizing the new assets.

Meanwhile, Palafox commended the accomplishments of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (3MIB) based in San Jose, Tarlac for its notable counterinsurgency efforts.

The unit succeeded in its mission to defend and secure peace in its area of responsibility, particularly in the provinces of Tarlac and Zambales.

Palafox said 3MIB has become a show window for what the Armor Division has to offer in internal security operations.

"Soon, it may become the nucleus and a standard for a mechanized infantry-centric Army in Luzon that will help achieve the vision of the Philippine Army that has transitioned for territorial defense capability," he said during the battalion's 18th founding anniversary celebration.

Palafox encouraged officers and enlisted personnel to continue upholding integrity and strengthen cooperation in pursuing campaigns of the battalion.

Lt. Col. Jeszer Bautista, 3MIB commander, thanked national government agencies and private organizations who became their partners in civil-military operations.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/08/news/regions/tarlac-weapons-arsenal-gets-big-upgrade/1881732