Best-Best Competition - Official Website Mechanized Infantry

Transcription

contents
“ Army Vision: A world-class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028”
one to
3 23 From
three 3 Cavalry
4 24 Things
that the Army
Aviation Does
Tagapaglaan Conducts
Disaster Relief and Clearing 5
Aftermath of
25 The
Operations
Empowerment
Signal Company a Higher
with a big Heart
Level of Performance 6
26 Soldiers
launches Adopt a
DC’s Christmas Message
rd
Honor Roll
“Maintenance...Poles Apart
Achievement”
7
Armored Steed,
Fast and Furious 8
TAP Launches 1 Livelihood
Seminar Workshop 10
NCO Corner: Ang Huwaran
na Senior NCO 11
1 Mech Bde Joins Task
Force “ KADTATABANGA” 12
Genuine Peace &
Reconciliation: a Challenge 13
to the AFP-MILF-MNLF
“Shoebox of Peace”
Hits Maguindanao 14
2Mech Bn Spearheads
“Project Shoebox” in 15
Rest House Amidst the Jungle
st
st
Maguindanao
School Program
27
3rd Founding
28 4LACT(S)
Anniversary: Celebration with
3LACT(S) @ 3
Substance
contributes more
29 5LACT(S)
than what your eyes can see!
Troopers
30 Paghiliugyon
conducts BAYANIHAN Project
31
“Shoebox” Reaches Samar
Provinces
32
Armor Offensive Operations
in the city...an Account of a
Commander
33
Tangkerong Pintor
TIME...our greatest resource
16
Defenders of Zamboanga
17 34 Diwa ng Pasko
“1 Cav Sqdrn
Health and Fitness
36
Tankers Respond in the 18
Zamboanga City Crisis”
Maintenance/Trouble
2 Cav Sqdrn Supports
39
Shooting Chart
Army Transformtion Roadmap 22
Covenant for Peace in Tarlac
...a shared responsibility
THE ARMOR JOURNAL
EDITORIAL BOARD
MGEN NICANOR E DOLOJAN AFP
Commander
BGEN MAYORALGO M DELA CRUZ AFP
Assistant Divison Commander
COL LEODEGARIO D DELA PAZ GSC (CAV) PA
Division Inspector General
COL FELICISIMO C BUDIONGAN GSC (CAV) PA
Chief of Staff
LTC RICHARD G GARCIA GSC (CAV) PA
AC of S for Personnel, G1
MAJ VINCENT D MAURICIO (CAV) PA
Acting AC of S for Intelligence, G2
LTC PACIANITO DZ CASTILLO GSC (CAV) PA
AC of S for Operations, G3
LTC LAURO G OLIVEROS (CAV) PA
AC of S for Logistics, G4
LTC NELSON S DALMAN GSC (CAV) PA
AC of S for CEIS, G6
MAJ MARIO J IGMEN (CAV) PA
AC of S for CMO, G7
LTC PERFECTO G CABANAYAN GSC (CAV) PA
AC of S for Educ & Trng, G8
MAJ JACINTO J LICAY (CAV) PA
Chief, MFO
CMS Francisco T Gabinera Jr (CE) PA
Division Sgt Major
EDITORIAL STAFF
CPT FILEMON I TAN JR (CAV) PA
Editor-In-Chief
PFC Crisanto G Sator (Cav) PA
Lay Out and Design
Cpl Lord Ardy M Milanes (Cav) PA
PFC Crisanto G Sator (Cav) PA
PFC Jerick Carlo S Allarey (Cav) PA
Photographers
st
nd
THE EDITOR
THE ARMOR JOURNAL
MECHANIZED INFANTRY DIVISION,PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac
The Armor Journal is a publication of the Mechanized Infantry Division,
Philippine Army. The Opinions and views conveyed in this magazine do not necessarily
reflect higher headquarters’ or other government agencies views and policies...
We would appreciate your opinions and inputs to enhance this publication by writing to us:
Email Us: publicaffairslad@yahoo.com.ph
Visit Us: www.lightarmordivision.net.ph
The Armor Journal
2
Serving the People, Securing the Land
ABOUT THE COVER
Portrays a modern day re-enactment of the three
Kings giving their most valuable gifts to Jesus.
The tankers’ commitment to serve is symbolized
by giving of the lantern to those we have sworn to
serve.... the people.
COMMANDER
MECHANIZED INFANTRY DIVISION
PHILIPPINE ARMY
Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac
Christmas Message
A
s we gladly celebrate this festive occasion of Christmas, Iet me
convey my heartfelt greetings to everyone. I pray that love,
peace, joy and hope be ever present in each one of us. May we
be reminded how great and powerful our God is and that He humbled
Himself and was born to save His children and bring us salvation.
The year 2013 was a very challenging year for us. Amidst the natural
disasters and terrorist attacks, the troops of the Mechanized Infantry
Division never lost focus in performing our duties. Imbued with a great
sense of responsibility, every resilient tanker never forgot his sworn duty
and gave his all in service to God, Country and the Filipino people. As
your Commander, I am most proud to lead men and women who asked
nothing but gave everything...Thank you so much for your service.
Congratulations and let us carry on!
God’s love is always revealed to mankind. Let us share our time
and resources to those in need and let them feel the true meaning of
Christmas.
As the year has passed, we look to the coming year ahead.
I encourage everyone to sustain our standard of excellence and continue
to serve with commitment.
Again, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year to all.
NICANOR E DOLOJAN
Major General
AFP
3
The Armor Journal
“ Honor Roll”
“Best-Best Competition”
Best-Best Competition
for 1st Quarter CY 2013
for 2nd Quarter CY 2013
for 3rd Quarter CY 2013
Mech Div 7th Activation Anniversary Awardees
Mech Div: Ika-7 Taong Kaagapay Tungo sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan
BEST ENLISTED PERSONNEL, CY 2013
Sgt. Jason V. Tamayo 839457 (SC) PA
PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION National Book Store Foundation
PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION Tarlac Medical Society
PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION I Care for My City Foundation
PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION Hon. Jeci A. Lapus
PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, MD
The Armor Journal
4
TAGAPAGLAAN Conducts Disaster
Relief and Clearing Operations
W
eather advisories and local news gave information about the 19th storm to hit the country.
Tropical Storm “Santi” whose international
name “Nari” had an average 100kph sustained winds,
peak wind gusts at 130kph and headed towards Central and Northern Luzon NW at 15kph was a storm the
people of Luzon, especially
in Central Luzon would never
forget as it hit us hard last October 11, 2013. Be that as it
may, we have to move forward
to forget the grim of the past,
and say the rest is history.
As the storm continues to wreck everything in
its direction, military camps
and its vital installations were
not spared. Houses were destroyed; building roofs were
ripped; full grown trees knocked down blocked most
of main roads; power lines were cut off due to fallen
electric posts leaving 37 towns and cities in the areas
of Central Luzon without electricity; telecommunication lines were affected and had to be restored in time;
business entities were closed thereby displacing most
people in the affected areas.
The aftermath of the storm crippled the lives
of most people where it hardly hit. This storm claimed
the lives of few, had caused millions worth of damages
to properties as it wrecked havoc in several places.
Under the dynamic leadership of CO, HHSBn Lt. Col.
Radito P Sese CAV (GSC) PA , the men and women of
Mechanized Infantry Division worked hand in hand and
tirelessly cleared the mess typhoon “Santi” left behind.
The unit also organized and augmented personnel to
other organic units in order to contribute in the Disaster
Rescue and Relief Operations.
Although depleted in terms of
personnel and equipment, everyone gave his best effort to
be of service to the people affected by the typhoon.
Being an archipelagic
state, it’s not new to us that
our country experiences an
average of 20 storms each
year. Casualties reflected in
every typhoon would deeply
remind us to be alert, always
be prepared and cautious of our actions. Let us not
be complacent in making such preparations and not
to take for granted weather advisories being issued by
authorities.
As quick as the winds of “Santi” wrecked havoc,
our troops’ reaction for DRRO and clearing operations
was quick and significant not only to our soldiers and
immediate camp vicinity but to the local populace as
we never wasted time to react and help clear the main
roads needed by all in gradually normalizing the situation of our troops and local populace alike.
5
The Armor Journal
SIGNAL
COMPANY
a higher level of
performance…
S
ignal Company, Mech Div, PA headed by 1Lt. Reymualdo C. Javellana (SC) PA along with his troops
, joined hands together and exerted all efforts in
support to Mech Div, PA’s Mission and Vision.
“MAINTENANCE...
POLES APART ACHIEVEMENT”
For the past Quarter, the Company was able
to conduct in-house training, (Harris 5800V Handheld
Radio Operations and Maintenance Training) and continued to enhance the skills of our personnel in using,
handling & programming HH radio equipment.
Aside from the unit’s routine functions such as
uploading & downloading radio messages, PAS coverage, maintenance of Telephone system/ commo facilities, offering free repair service of appliances of Mech
Div pers, maintaining cleanliness at designated areas
, The Signal Company also augmented four (4) technicians from different units and companies for the successful replication / reproduction of Integrated Communication System Unit (ICSU) in support to OG6, Mech
Div project in order to equip our AVs with the much
needed communication system in the area.
On Sept 11, 2013, this unit showcased the ICSU
communication equipment that demonstrated the capability and initiative of this unit to design and produce a
communication system with a relatively minimal cost but
a very effective system. This complemented the success of Mechanized Infantry Demonstration presented
to Vice Commander, PA Maj. Gen. Essel C. Soriano
AFP , who was the guest of honor and speaker during
the 7th Activation Anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry
Division
“Maintenance”, the term can be referred to as a
process of preservation, upholding, protection or actions
performed to keep a machine or system functioning or in
service. Every part of a machine or an engine, even the
tiniest bolt, is very important for it to function as a whole.
For a combat unit like the Mechanized Infantry
Division, maintenance is vital in accomplishing the unit’s
mission. The Armor Maintenance Battalion has always
done its part for the repair and maintenance of armored
and admin vehicles of the Mechanized Infantry Division
at various locations through out the archipelago.
In commemoration of the upcoming Mechanized
Infantry Division 7th Activation Anniversary last September 11, 2013, the ARMOR MAINTENANCE “MASINOP”
BATTALION under the leadership of Lt. Col. Danilo O.
Cariño CAV (GSC) PA had develop a systems planning
approach that creates and sustains unit cohesion in the
implementation of various tasks from Higher Headquarters. It was instrumental in turning into achievable results
and quality products of the unit. Thus, the unit was able
to significantly and successfully complete the refurbishment, major repairs and repainting of six (6) Armored Vehicles, namely: Commando V150 (PAGUDPOD), AIFV
(GEN LUCIANO SAN MIGUEL), SFV (BOHOL), SFV
(NONOC), APC (GABINO SUGCANG), APC (CANUTO
SEGOVIA). Moreover, the unit was able to repaint ten
(10) Armored Vehicles and one (1) CESSNA aircraft at
the Relics Point and Static Display. These remarkable
unit achievements were completed for only three months
from June to August 2013.
The skills and expertise of this unit’s personnel
is the key factor and is distinct when it comes to maintenance of mobility assets. Indeed, maintenance of our
Division’s armored vehicles is a significant part of our accomplishment here at the home of the “Mounted Warriors”.
The Armor Journal
6
REST HOUSE
AMIDST THE JUNGLE
A
prominent structure was about to rise amidst the
training ground of The Armor School. A structure
that will soon accommodate personnel of this Division and other stakeholders so that they may enjoy
the beauty of nature and watch the serene waters of
the lake and later enjoy the freshly caught tilapia and
the farm fresh vegetables at the Hardin ng Lunas. If
you are lucky enough, you will be able to see the candidate soldiers chanting in unison as they perform their
physical exercises. Music to those who have hurdled
basic military training and sound of curiosity to first timers who never heard or seen soldiers in training.
July 11, 2013 was the day the Engineering
Combat Company, led by its Commanding Officer Maj.
Mat L Zaratan along with Twenty (20) Enlisted Personnel started to work on the project. With inadequate
manpower, the reinforcement of a few Candidate Soldiers made the construction faster as it was intended
to be inaugurated during the Mechanized Infantry Division 7th Activation Anniversary.
During the implementation of Project Rest
House, the construction team confronted difficulties
on its undertakings due to the onset of rainy season
wherein frequent rainfall occurred that attributed to the
hardship of the project implementation. Aside from this
endeavor, some personnel participated in other various essential command activities, nevertheless, the
team managed to compensate and coped up with the
project completion as the team worked cohesively extending its time beyond normal working hour condition
even on weekends and holidays.
The Rest House project has attractive natural scenery, wherein it is placed in between of two (2)
full grown acacia trees, beside vegetable gardens so
called, “Hardin ng Lunas”, and few steps away from
the natural lagoon. It is delightful and ideal for the personnel and dependents of Mechanized Division to take
refreshing and relaxing moments in the area. They can
spend quality time, picnic together with their families
or visitors and likewise can go on fishing in the lagoon
because of the abundance of “Tilapia”.
The project was initiated thru the benevolent
support extended by Tarlac Heritage Foundation represented by Dra. Isa Cojuangco Suntay and conceptualized the idea in partnership with the Mechanized
Division headed by Major General Nicanor E. Dolojan.
Finally, on September 07, 2013, barely a few
days before its inauguration, the Engineer Combat
Company, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine
Army had accomplished its mission. The Rest House
was completed and is now of great benefit to many
stakeholders as nothing beats quality time with your
family and friends being one with nature and relaxing
for a few hours before taking on the challenges of a
new tomorrow. Indeed, this is a remarkable project
beneficial to many. A project brought about by the fusion of ideas and partnership between Tarlac Heritage
Foundation and the Mechanized Infantry Division… a
project that we can definitely be proud of. Halika ka na!
Picnic na!
7
The Armor Journal
by: 1Lt. Marvin P. Aquino (CAV) PA
“From total strangers to band of brothers”. This
phrase literally describes the class of Armor Officer Basic Course CL 35-13. 01 July 2013 was the day when
twenty- four (24) Officers from the different units of the
Philippine Army and Marines came to the grounds of
Camp O’ Donell, the home of the mounted warriors
to compose the class of AOBC CL 35-13. Six (6) Officers are organic to the Mechanized Infantry Division,
twelve (12) Officers came from different Infantry Battalions, four (4) Officers are from the Philippine Navy
(Marines) while Two (2) Reserve Officers and from the
Army Reserve Command. Despite these facts, these
Officers have overcome their differences with ease and
created a lasting bond with each and everyone. Under the leadership and of Maj. Malinit, Course Director and the supervision of Cpt. Baloran, Tactical Officer
and members of the training directorate the class have
undergone the 14-week course to become full-blooded
Armor Officers and worthy to wear the armor crest. The
first six (6) weeks covered the common module phase.
During this phase, basic military subjects and knowledge are given emphasis as this is a requirement to
all career courses as directed by the Training and Doctrine Command. The remaining eight (8) weeks were
dedicated for the AFPOS Phase. This phase is composed of subjects pertaining to Armor Operations.
each and every time. I can proudly say that this class
differs the way the members have built a harmonious relationship with one another. Every activity is a
healthy competition not a battle. There is no room for
animosity, jealousy and bitterness against each other.
Every member of the class does not regard each other
as foes but rather, as brothers. Gender, age, ethnicity,
unit assignment and even the source of commission
did not affect our camaraderie. Each member of the
class have set aside their background differences and
opened themselves to one another. We have elected
well respected class officers that have proven their
competence in maintaining the harmonious relationship between class members.
Having said this, every class that came to The
Armor School have undergone the same experiences
In terms of physical fitness, we have developed
a buddy system wherein we look upon the physical
The Armor Journal
8
During academic periods we used code names
instead of our proper names during the course that
were used when grades are published. Without any
idea who’s who every time grades are published created a culture of healthy competition towards academic excellence. Most of the members are excellent in
keeping a “poker face” to hide their identity while some
are playing like “Sherlock Holmes”, the detective trying
everything they could just to expose the identity of others which we find amusing because not a single identity was exposed until the culmination of the course.
fitness of our buddy. We encouraged one
another to develop their physical fitness performance even without supervision by TAS
personnel. Hitting the gym, running around
the “Cavalry Loop”, playing basketball and
other sports are among our routine activities
during athletics. Buddy rating is also accomplished with objectivity. There were no instances that it ever came to our minds to give
biased and unfair ratings against each other.
Whether we are inside or outside the
classroom, we kept looking at each other’s
back. Senior officers do not fail to give advices and share their experiences to the younger ones. Came graduation day, and after the
14-week course all of us felt that the course
was too short not for any other reason but we
felt that we got used to be with one another
every single day and that this day for us is
the day that we will part ways and return to
our units. Graduation day was both glorious
and gloomy at the same time but as any other
courses, everything must come to an end but
for us graduation only ended the course, not
our brotherhood. So what makes our class
different from others? Plainly speaking, we
were not just classmates, we were brothers.
“Student Corner”
AOBC
2Lt. Taladro
The AOBC was a journey towards excellence.
We can always be better than who we are today.
#13
As a student, the best thing I’ve learned was
to understand military decision making process. It enhances the ability to plan for a recommended action.
Camaraderie of the students with army and the marines.
ANCOAC
Toto
Isang hamon at tagumpay na nagkaroon ako
ng kaalaman tungkol sa MDMP na kung saan sinubok
ako na pag-aralan ang misyon at makipag debate sa
miyembro ng panel kung ano ang aming pinakamagandang aksyon para maging handa at maganda ang kahihinatnan ng misyon.
9
The Armor Journal
Transition Assistance Program Launches
1st Livelihood Seminar Workshop
Pvt. Ylvee B Llamasares
T
he Transition Assistance Program is a Package
of services for retiring or separating AFP personnel to facilitate their smooth transition into civilian
life. This include: retirement and separation planning,
financial planning, technical skills training and accreditation, job search assistance, business development
support and other related services. It aims to establish
personnel management system that will prepare AFP
personnel for smooth transition to a fulfilling life outside
of the military service after
retirement or separation.
The objective of TAP is to
assess (according to skills,
interests, and educational
background), assist, orient, train and prepare military personnel for transition to post service and
be useful and productive
members of the society.
One of the services offered by TAP
is the Vocational and Technical Skills Training Assistance (VTSTA). Based on workshops conduct,
most of the retirees want to engage in Agricultural
Business after their service. That’s why the TAP Section coordinated with the Department of Agriculture
and requested lecturers to conduct livelihood training
inside the Mechanized Infantry Division Headquarters.
Last October 10, 2013 the 2-day Livelihood Program was formally opened with 37 participants (12 retirees, 20 plan to retire, 5 interested personnel) with the Keynote Speaker
Lt. Col. Richard G. Garcia GSC (CAV) PA, Assistant
Chief Of Staff for personnel G1. Lt. Col. Garcia emphasized the importance of the services implemented
by the Transition Assistance Program of the Command.
After the opening ceremony, the first lecturer
Mr. Joseph Paul T. Abad, from the office of Agriculture
in Tarlac City, conducted lecture on Organic Vegetable
Farming and discussed the different ways on how to
develop and enhance organic vegetables production.
He was followed by Ms. Rosita M. Balisong, who gave
a lecture on Meat Processing and showed how to make
Beef Tapa, Tosino and skinless Longganisa. One of the
The Armor Journal
10
participants, TSg. Rodolfo F. Villanueva assisted the
lecturer in the actual making of Beef Tapa. He mixed
the ingredients while the lecturer dictates the procedure. Mr. Pablito O Sarmiento was next and conducted
lecture on Mushroom production. He discussed the
different ways on how to produce mushroom and the
requirements needed. He accentuated that dry banana
leaves is the best habitat for mushroom seedlings because of the minerals from it. He also gave information
about the health benefits
from eating mushrooms.
After all of the presentation, the participants conducted practical exercises
and actual hands-on on
the procedure and layout
of mushroom production.
On the second day, Ms.
Carina P. Bautista, an expert on Aqua Culture, discussed the procedure and
necessary requirements
on how to culture Hito,
Ulang and Tilapia. Furthermore, the lecturer discussed
how to make smoked fish (Tinapa), The last guest lecturer Lerma V Landicho (Veterinary), focused on Livestock
raising. She discussed the procedure and necessary
requirements on how to raise goat, swine and chicken.
During the lectures in different subjects, it has been
observed that all participants were actively listening and participating. There were good discussion
between the lecturer and the participants. The objectives of the livelihood training was successfully attained.
During the 2-day of the Livelihood Program,
the Keynote Speaker Maj. Gen. Nicanor E. Dolojan
AFP, Division Commander, Mechanized Infantry Division emphasized the importance of the Transition Assistance Program of the Philippine Army which dedicates it’s service to the retiring military personnel for
their smooth transition to civilian life as well as the
importance of the TAP package services being offered before their retirement in the military service.
Truly, as oldier who gave his best in the service,
now that he retire, deserves the best support from the
Philippine Army… and this is where TAP serves its purpose.
Ang Huwaran na
Senior NCO...
M
MSg Roberto D Gimenez (Cav) PA, SM, 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Mech Div, PA
ainit na talakayan ngayon sa mga kasundaluhan
ang paksang “NCO Empowerment.” Ano ba ang
programang ito at paano ang sistema o ano ang
mga bagay-bagay na nakapaloob dito?
Upang higit nating maunawaan ay ating alamin
muna ang ibig sabihin at layunin nito. Sinasabi na ito
ay “isang proseso ng pagpapalakas at pagpapasigla sa
kakayahan ng kasundaluhan lalo na sa mga “Di-Hirang
na Opisyal (NCO)” sa pakikilahok sa paggawa ng desisyon, pagpapatupad nito at pagpapalakad ng yunit.”
Ang layunin o adhikain ng pamunuan tungkol sa “NCO
Empowerment” ay “Maibalik sa dating antas o kalagayan na tulad noon kung saan ang mga “Di-Hirang na Opisyal ” ang siyang maaasahang nagpapalakad sa mga
pang-araw-araw na gawain ng isang yunit ayon sa takda
ng tungkulin at responsibilidad base sa kanilang ranko
at posisyon.” Dito pa lamang ay malinaw na ang NCO
Empowerment pala ay parte na ng sistema ng Sandatahang Lakas na umiiral noon pa man. At sa pagdaan
ng mga taon ay unti-unti ng nawawala ang kalidad ng
ating mga NCO sa pagtupad sa kanilang mga tungkulin at responsibilidad kung kaya’t binibigyang priyoridad
ng ating pamunuan ang programa sa layuning maibalik
ang mataas na kalidad ng ating mga kasundaluhan.
Ano nga ba ang dahilan at ang kalidad ng pamumuno ng ating mga NCO ay bumababa? Unang-una
marahil ay ang kakulangan sa kaalaman at pang-unawa sa bawat tungkulin at responsibilidad ayon sa takda
ng ating mga ranko at posisyong hinahawakan. Ito ay
dahil sa kabila na ang mga kaalamang ito na itinuturo
naman sa atin sa ating mga pag-aaral at pagsasanay
bukod pa rito ang TI & E ay hanggang sa school at text
book lamang nagkakaroon ng buhay at pagkatapos ay
hindi natin ito isinasagawa sa ating pang-araw-araw
na gawain. Isa pang masakit isipin ay ang ating maling pananaw, pag-iisip at pagkilos kung tumataas ang
ranko at nabibigyan ng posisyon. Ang una nating iniisip
ay ang pagtaas ng ating sahod at ang mga pribilehiyong
kaakibat ng ating ranko at posisyon at hindi ang ating
dapat maging pagtanggap at pagtupad sa tungkulin at
responsibilidad na kaakibat nito. Marami pang dahilan
kung bakit ngunit sa palagay ko unti-unti na tayong namumulat na dapat na tayong magbago at isaayos ang
ating mga sarili upang matupad natin ang ating sinumpaang tungkulin sa ating Inang Bayan.
Matapos na ako ay makapagsanay ng Sergeant
Major Course at mahirang na Punong Sarhento ng
2nd Cavalry Squadron noong taong 2012, agad akong
kinausap ng aking Pinuno tungkol sa kanyang hangarin
at sa aking magiging tungkulin at responsibilidad. Dahil dito, kinunsulta ko ang aking mga First Sergeants
at mga Key NCOs tungkol sa aking mga balakin ayon
na rin sa kagustuhan ng aming Pinuno. Ipinaliwanag ko
ang mga magiging programa ng yunit, mga dahilan at
kung paano namin ito maisasagawa. Nauna na rito ay
ang pagsasagawa ng NCO Leadership Forum nitong
buwan ng Hulyo kung saan ay masinsinang itinuro ang
mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa mga dapat ikilos at malaman ng isang NCO lalo na sa kanilang mga Gawain,
Tungkulin at Responsibilidad; Propesyonalismo; Kredo
ng NCO, tamang pagbibigay ng grado sa EPEM; paggawa ng pansariling ATR Scorecard; at marami pang
paksa na dapat malaman ng mga kasundaluhan. Ang
aktibidad na ito na nilahukan ng mahigit limampung
(50) kasundaluhan na nagmula sa bawat kumpanya
ng yunit. Ito ay naisagawa at naisakatuparan sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagkilos at pagtutulungan ng mga
piling NCO. Matapos nito ay agad inutusan ang mga
lumahok na sila naman ang magturo sa kani-kanilang
yunit at kasamahan upang ganap na maipaalam sa lahat ang kaalamang dapat taglayin ng bawat isa at ang
mga programa at balakin ng yunit para sa ating mga
kasundaluhan. Bukod dito, amin ding inilunsad ang programa kung saan ang bawat isa ay magkakaroon ng
partisipasyon sa pagdisiplina, paghubog sa kaalaman,
...continue to page 37
11 The Armor Journal
1ST MECHANIZED INFANTRY BRIGADE
TASK FORCE
“ KADTATABANGA ”
T
he 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Maguindanao Provincial Police Office together with nine (9)
Local Chief Executives of the municipalities of Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Hoffer, Datu
Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Datu Unsay,
Rajah Buayan and Mamasapano launched a combined
activation of Task Force “Kadtatabanga” with Honorable
Governor Esmael “Toto” G. Mangudadatu represented by
Engineer Abdulwahab V. Tunga, Provincial Administrator,
Maguindanano Province as the guest of honor and speaker.
Task Force “Kadtatabanga” (“Kadtatabanga”, is
a Maguindanaon term for “Bayanihan”) is an organization under the direct supervision of the Local Government. The main objective of the activation of Task Force
“Kadtatabanga” of the different municipalities whose
members are local civilians selected by the Local Chief
Executives, is to have a united and concerted effort
among the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Maguindanao Police Provincial Office and Local Government
Units on matters concerning peace, security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Task Force
“Kadtatabanga” was conceptualized after experiencing
several incidents perpetrated by the armed lawless group
and environment-related incidents happening within the
Brigade’s AOR that affected the well-being of the civilian
populace. It was finalized after the conduct of a joint consultative meeting on September 4, 2013 at Headquarters,
1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Provincial Capitol,
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. The meeting was jointly
presided by Col. Edgar F. Gonzales, 1st Mechanized infantry Brigade Commander and PSupt. Joel Casupanan,
Deputy Provincial Director Maguindanao PPO representing PS/Supt. Rodelio B. Jocson, Provincial Director
Maguindanao
PPO.
The
purpose
is
to
present a proposal on the activation of respective
Municipal Task Force “Kadtatabanga” in order to arrive into a consensus on its activation and implementation with the Local Chief Executives at the helm.
There were 225 local civilian volunteers coming from nine (9) municipalities of Maguindanao who
joined the launching ceremony. Orientation to different
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12
vital installations in the area, bomb awareness, reporting system and organizational structure of Task Force
“Kadtatabanga” was discussed by Brigade staff officers and lecture on humanitarian assistance and relief
operations was conducted by the guest lecturer coming from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD-ARMM).
During the launching ceremony, Brig. Gen. Romeo G. Gan AFP, Assistant Division Commander, 6ID,
PA and PS/Supt. Allan Parreno, DRDO, PRO-ARMM
gave their inspirational message to the members of the
newly organized group. Members of Kabalikat Civicom,
Media group from ABS-CBN- Cotabato, GMA7-Cotabato,
DZRH, Manila Bulletin, DXMS, DXMY, CCCH-MILF were
present during the affair. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was performed. It shows and recognizes strong partnership between the Brigade, Maguindanao-PPO and Local Chief Executives to bring about a
concerted effort towards achieving peace and security.
According to Brig. Gen. Gan in his interview with
Mr. Jasper Acosta, ABS–CBN Cotabato News and Mr.
Ferdinand Cabrera of GMA7 Cobabato News correspondent, “Ang pagbuo ng Task Force “Kadtatabanga”, dito
mapagtitibay ang samahan ng bawat isa. Kung magkakaroon man ng ganitong activity, they are involved dahil
nanggagaling sila mismo sa local na community”. Mayor
Zamsamin Ampatuan of Rajah Buayan in his short briefing, expressed his gratitude and appreciation on this
endeavor. He said that this is a right move for the immediate resolution when conflict arises. Mayor Zahara U.
Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak added in her interview with
the Gold Star Daily Mindanao News, “Mas naniniwala
ako at nagpapasalamat sa militar ganoon din sa PNP sa
pagkakaroon ng larawang tulad nito subalit, mas marapat
na sa aming hanay bilang mga lider magsisismula ang
totoong kapayapaan at isantabi and anumang personal
na bagay upang makabuo ang bawat isa ng halimbawa”.
Engineer Abadulwahab V. Tunga, commended this unit
and all the participants who joined the Task Force “Kadtatabanga”, as they are the first responder for any humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations and in the
maintenance concerning peace and security in the area.
GENUINE PEACE & RECONCILIATION:
A CHALLENGE TO THE AFP-MILF-MNLF
“If you want to make peace with
your enemy you have to work with
your enemy then he becomes your
partner”
Nelson Mandela
T
his philosophy is one of the inspiration of the
2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade,
Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army in
the implementation of the AFP IPSP-Bayanihan. This
may truly seem impossible but with our commitment,
dedication and sincerity, we believe it is indeed achievable.
The brigade under Col. Demy T. Tejares
has been pro active in partnership with the different
bangsamoro groups to finally end this internal conflict.
Colonel Tejares, also an AHJAG, recognizes the support and compliance to the peace process of the members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front since the peace
agreement was signed in October 15, 2012. More so,
with the MILF now considered as a non-hostile entity,
the AFP expects a brighter prospect for genuine peace
and reconciliation.
In view of the strong partnership and cooperation between the AFP and MILF to include the MNLF,
several successful accomplishments have been undertaken as a result of this alliance. Noteworthy among
these is the conduct of the success of SAFE 2013
elections and was the most peaceful elections ever
recorded in Lanao del Norte. This can be attributed
to various efforts the brigade had undertaken such as
series of peace covenants among aspiring candidates
in different municipalities under our area of responsibility to which the MILF-CCCH, as one of our active and
strong partner, have contributed a lot in strengthening
the commitment and resolve arising electoral issues
for peaceful elections.
Even after resetting the conduct of elections in
the Municipality of Tangkal, various stakeholders such
as the IMT, LMT, CSOs, POs, NGO, Interfaith Organizations and MILF to mention a few, have played a big
role in preempting possible outbreak of hostilities in the
conduct of Special Elections in that particular area.
More over, a number of successful joint AFPMILF-PNP operations were also manifestations as a
concrete example of GPH-MILF constructive alliance
especially in the recovery of kidnapped victims that
happened in many occasions. First was on 11:20AM
May 27, 2013, wherein a certain Dr. Najib Pangcatan
a resident of Brgy. Basak, Malut-lut, Marawi City was
kidnapped, on June 06, 2013 at Brgy Pob, Balo-i, and
on July 12, 2013 at Brgy San Miguel, Iligan City various
persons were also kidnapped. However, all kidnapped
victims were successfully recovered through the combined intelligence net of the Philippine Army, Philippine
National Police and negotiators from the MILF.
The brigade was also able to preempt terrorist
attacks considering the large area of Lanao del Norte.
Bombing, attacks and lawless activities were pre empted due to its good relationship with the bangsamoro
groups.
It was for the same reason why the unit initiated the conference with the MNLF Commanders of
Northwest Command under Gen. Jose Aberilla and
Gen. Aberin Sanguila as a preemptive measure with
the situation in Zamboanga City with other MNLF
groups.
With strong commitments from these two MNLF
Commanders, we trust them and are confident that the
words of these commanders will hold and that they will
do make sympathetic attacks in Lanao del Norte and
Iligan City in support to the Zamboanga incident. Moreso, these two Commanders condemned the acts of
their comrades in Zamboanga City and further promised the Brigade Commander of their cooperation.
These assenting outcomes are already solid
evidence that the long standing conflict between the
military and the MILF/MNLF can be resolved thru open
lines of communication and good working relationship
towards winning and having a just and lasting peace
and later on, establish an environment conducive to
development.
It is not enough to talk about peace… one
must believe in it and work for it. Col Tejares always
believed in this and in doing so, he advises each and
every stakeholder to stay away from prejudice and biases against each other. Perhaps, with this kind of trust
and confidence along with this working relationship between the AFP and MILF / MNLF, the peace talk will
prevail.
13
The Armor Journal
“SHOEBOX OF PEACE”
Maguindanao
T
he Project Shoebox, as a symbol of caring for the uplifting of education among the indigent students through
the distribution of school supplies was given a little twist
and extended its purpose to be an instrument for peace in the
volatile Maguindanao security situation. The humble shoebox
project became a visible symbolism of collaborative effort of
the different peace and development stakeholders in this part
of Maguindanao and a venue of opportunity for confidencebuilding between the Government, the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), and the people.
The 1st Mech Inf Bn as one of the implementing units
of the Philippine Army’s nationwide outreach program dubbed
as “Project Shoebox” renamed the program to “Shoebox of
Peace” which benefited the schools in the municipalities of
Shariff Aguak, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, and Rajah Buayan all of
Maguindanao Province. Engrossed by the idea of the gift-in-ashoebox for the indigent students in their municipality, the local
chief executives shelled out their support by adding in crayons,
bags, plastic envelopes and slippers to be given for the students. Though the gifts were not packaged in shoeboxes anymore, the spirit of giving and sharing lived on as it was intended
to be.
Bayanihan through the “Shoebox”
The Project Shoebox, originally conceptualized by
then 4th Light Armor Battalion, started in some areas in Southern Luzon. This year, the project became nationwide through
the involvement of major sponsors including the National Bookstore Foundation, 2GO Express and the Philippine Army.
1st Mech Inf Bn first received 1,600 packages of
“Project Shoebox” school supplies for distribution to selected
schools in the area. Maguindanao, being one of the poorest
provinces in the country, has so much indigent students that
deserved to benefit from this project. When “Project Shoebox”
was opened up to the local chief executives, they almost immediately pledged their support. With the abovementioned additional items, the gifts needed to be repacked into the bags and
plastic envelopes donated by the local donors instead of the
shoeboxes. The repacked gifts for distribution almost doubled
just before the distribution.
The Maguindanao District I DepEd helped in identifying the schools for distribution as well as the selection of the
students. Given priority were the students from Kinder to Grade
3. The launching of the “Shoebox for Peace” was synchronized
with their series of programs as it was August then and the
schools were celebrating “Buwan ng Wika.” Incidentally, the
theme of the schools’ month long celebration was centered on
the value of education towards development, environmental
protection, and peace. The Lakan Battalion had been actively
involved in each and every part of the school programs, and
obviously the “Shoebox for Peace” had to be tailored to fit into
the theme of the celebration.
Project Shoebox Now an Instrument for Peace
The Armor Journal
14
The peculiarity of the area of 1st Mech Inf Bn in Shariff
Aguak is that half of its barangays and most of its land area
is in the MILF-dominated communities. The ongoing peace
process slowly but continuously opens mutual coordination and
cooperation between the government and the MILF forces in
the area. The “Shoebox for Peace” presented an opportunity
not only to reach out to these MILF fighters through their children but also to enjoin them in the advocacy for peace and
development.
Lt. Col. Alemania, CO, 1st Mech Inf Bn was asked by
the School Supervisor to undertake the Peace advocacy in
the DepEd theme. Presenting the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF may have been too technical for the children. Instead, a visible presentation of what
would come out of the peace process is a more fitting way of
imprinting the hope for peace in the eyes and minds of the children. And there is no better way the children understands than
for them to see that the Philippine Army and MILF all in their
proud uniforms joining hands in the school activities.
Many of these MILF members themselves are fathers
to many of the indigent students too. One MILF field commander was even a PTA Vice President in the priority schools.
They themselves appreciated the value of education for their
children’s future. In the previous activity, the MILF forces joined
the Lakan Bn in the re-greening of the schools and the barangays through tree planting as one of the programs of DepEd
Maguindanao District I.
The MILF, having more access to the hinter communities, actively participated in the distribution of the “Shoebox
for Peace.” Proudly wearing their uniforms, they stood side
by side with the Lakan Troopers, the teachers, and the local
officials in handing the “Shoeboxes” to the delight of the children. The meeting of the Philippine Army and the MILF forces
was not clouded with tension instead there were friendship and
festivities. This was a vivid picture of where the peace process
is going should be impressed on the students. The distribution
of the gifts was completed by the end of September benefitting
2,634 students.
With these activities, the Lakan Troopers opened another venue for collaboration between the government and
MILF. The MILF appreciated the given chance to be involved.
They were enlightened with the bigger role that they had to
undertake other than war fighting. In the real pursuit for true
peace and development, more skills has to be learned. And
the MILF will have to be ready to assume the many roles that
the Army are doing now. Lakan Troopers assured them that
they will be involved in many more activities to come for them
to learn from each other.
Through the Lakan way, the “Project Shoebox” became the
“Shoebox for Peace.” And in its small ways, lighted the hope
of peace in the minds of the young students and ignited the
BAYANIHAN spirit in its many stakeholders.
2MECH INF BN SPEARHEADs
“PROJECT SHOEBOX” IN MAGUINDANAO
Scorpions76
Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao: 2nd Mechanized Infantry “MAKASAG” Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Felix Laudemer S. Kahulugan Jr.
distributed school supplies in the implementation of
“PROJECT SHOEBOX” to the different primary schools
in the area of Maguindanao last September 04 and 05,
2013.
As recalled, the “Project Shoebox” started as the
brain child of Lt. Col. Thomas Sedano, the Former
Commanding Officer of 4th Light Armor Battalion based
at Lucena City. It aims to
provide school supplies to
the less fortunate pupils in
the selected areas of Bicol
Region as its area of operations.
This noble undertaking was popular and successfully done in the area
through the help and support from generous organizations and other private
companies particularly the
National Bookstore, 2Go,
Sigma Alpha Fraternity and Sorority, Department of
Education and other stakeholders within our Area of
Operation. “Project Shoebox” was carried out into the
conflict affected areas in Central Mindanao particularly
in Maguindanao with the desire of 2Mech Bn to help
the needy students in the area.
September 04, 2013, Cpt. Rammil D. Altamirano,
CMO Officer and Major Asnawi P. Muti, Executive Officer of this unit together with DepEd Officials, launched
the said activity in the selected primary schools in the
area of Datu Saudi Ampatuan Maguindanao. The activity started with a simple program followed by the
distribution of School supplies to 162 pupils of Upper
Salvo Primary School and 500 pupils of Pendelilang
Elementary School. On September 05, 2013, the same
activity was undertaken at
Datu Gumbay Elementary
School in the municipality
of Datu Piang, Maguindanao with 500 pupils receiving
free school supplies.
It was evident that
the joy felt by the pupils as
they happily smile while
receiving their school supplies from the men in uniform somehow conveyed
sense of fulfillment to the
purpose of the project
which is bringing the 2Mech Bn closer to the heart of
the children and promoting lasting peace not only in
Maguindanao but also in Mindanao as a whole…Let’s
Go MAKASAG TROOPERS!
15
The Armor Journal
Covenant for Peace in Tarlac
... a shared responsibility
(TOMAHAWK 28-05)
T
rue to the commitment to establish peaceful
communities in Tarlac, the signing of the Peace
Covenant last January 29, 2013 at San Sebastian Cathedral Church that promotes the advocacy for
peaceful elections, was just one of the peace initiatives of the government thru the Philippine Army. As a
matter of fact, another activity was recently carried out
for the same cause. With the news about the standoff between the Government Troops and the followers
of Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF) and Umbra Kato of the Bangsamoro
Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) again becoming active, it was imperative for the
unit to take initiative in coordinating with the Tarlac Muslim
Leaders namely Mr. William
Yusuf I. Lopez, Chairman of
the Tarlac Muslim Converts
Association Inc (TMCAI),
Muslim United Federation
in the Province of Tarlac Inc
(MUFPTI) and Mr. Bocs N.
Macacuna, Vice Chairman of
the United Muslim Association in Tarlac (UMAT). This is to avoid the same incident which held nearly two hundred (200) civilian hostages and claimed a death toll of more than a hundred.
The purpose of the coordination was to have talks and
civic works reinforcing peace within the communities
hand in hand with our muslim brothers.
As part of the Unit’s ongoing Bayanihan efforts in Tarlac, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Jesus Rico D.
The Armor Journal
16
Atencio CAV (GSC) PA, in cooperation with NOLCOM
(Northern Luzon Command), Tarlac Police Provincial
Office (TPPO), Provincial Government of Tarlac, Civil
Sectors and Stakeholders, spearheaded the Signing of
a Covenant for a Peaceful Community with the Muslim
Leaders which was held at Cordillera Hall, NOLCOM,
Camp Gen. Servillano Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac City
last October 09, 2013.
The program was highlighted with meaningful messages from the provincial government officials, the police,
the military and the Muslim
leaders. During the speech
of Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio
P. Catapang Jr, AFP, Commander of the Northern Luzon
Command, he emphasized
the importance of working together hand in hand, and that
the collaboration and participation of everyone is likewise
an important instrument for
the Christians and Muslim to
be united towards the attainment of genuine peace and
sustainable development in the province of Tarlac.
The Bayanihan effort was a success and was greatly appreciated by the Muslim leaders and community
members. It is once again proven that synergy – the
cooperation and involvement of the different sectors,
the contribution of each and every government agency, civil society organization, and even local communities – all placed together and rightfully considered, can
make a difference in ensuring a peaceful community.
Defenders of Zamboanga
-MALAK-
W
hen the conflict in Zamboanga City broke out
last September 09, 2013, the 4th Mechanized
Infantry (KALASAG) Battalion headed by their
Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Danilo G. Ibon CAV
(GSC) PA, immediately organized a Composite Mechanized Infantry Company to reinforce the engaged units
in the said city. Cpt. Henry T. Bual II was then tasked
to lead the company of ten Wheeled Armored Vehicles
with their dismount teams. After all necessary preparations were completed, the Company left the headquarters with their will to help the Zamboangeneos.
After about a day of travel, they finally arrived
in Zamboanga City and immediately, series of briefings
to the officers and men of the Composite Company
were conducted after which, they were immediately
deployed to subdue the rogue MNLF elements under Commander Habier Malik. The company was ordered to conduct blocking operations at R. Lustre St,
Sta Catalina where the heat of firefight was going on.
The vicinity was the stronghold of the MNLF elements
where they positioned themselves strategically and
used their hostages as human shields. The situation
made it difficult for the soldiers to neutralize the enemy
for fear that innocent lives were at stakeand civilians
may be caught in the cross fire.
Indeed, the task of the soldiers to subdue the
enemy and rescue the hostages was quite difficult but
it did not hinder them in doing such. The troops kept
moving forward occupying one position at a time. The
Mechanized Composite Company gave suppressive
fires to enemy suspected locations so that Infantry
units could maneuver towards enemy positions. The
soldiers identified the several buildings in R Lustre St
to be enemy stronghold positions which day and night,
the troops kept on fighting to get those positions and
limit the enemy’s freedom of maneuver.
Finally, on the 16th of September, after heavy
firefights, the government troops were able to seize
the enemy stronghold KGK building and inflicted tremendous casualty against the MNLF elements. But the
battle rages on… several splinter groups of the MNLF
dispersed to evade the overpowering government forces. Lt. Col. Ibon personally supervised the Mechanized
troops in their urban combat operations to remind them
of the important details and the SOP’s as well as to
boost their morale.
Several days passed, firefights continued
and encounters by the troops against the remnants of
MNLF armed elements were becoming more rampant.
Cpt. Randy F. Bagaporo was later designated to be the
Composite Mechanized Company Officer-in-Charge
as they approach the end of the conflict. Day by day
the number of the rebels was reduced as they were
neutralized as either killed, captured or surrendered.
For almost a month of continuous gun battle,
the Zamboanga Crisis finally was over. Hundreds of
elements killed, many captured and dozens of war
materiel recovered but the most important accomplishment of the unit was the safety and rescue of the civilian hostages. The Mechanized Composite Company
suffered four wounded personnel but are now in stable
condition and are back at their respective headquarters ready to continue their mandated tasks.
As one saying goes… “The soldiers indeed
are the ones who despise war, for when conflicts
such of these arise; they are the ones who are put
in the frontlines and suffer the casualties of war.”
Regardless of the fear of what is ahead of us, expect
that the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion will be there
to be the front liners and despite the odds, we will do
the job the best way we can.
17
The Armor Journal
“1st CAVALRY SQUADRON Tankers
Respond in the Zamboanga City Crisis”
(With contributions from 12th and 14th Light Armored Cavalry Troops)
T
he 12th and 14th LIGHT ARMORED CAVALRY
TROOP unexpectedly took on two major events
in its service to the Zamboangenos. This was
when Zamboanga City experienced the attack of
Rogue MNLF elements (RME) and the other when typhoon “Santi” wrecked havoc in the City.
September 09, 2013. Rogue MNLF elements
attempts to raise the Bangsamoro flag at the city government building. It was initially repelled by the government forces resulting in chaos around Brgy. Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo and Mariki. Task Force
Zamboanga later on called for a meeting and informed
14LACT that the city was occupied by more than
400 fully armed Rogue MNLF Elements (RME). The
troops, led by Cpt. Ronnie Halangdon, was the first Armor unit to respond in the crisis with the combined forces of Task Force Zamboanga and 12th Division Recon
Company of 1ID, PA. RME leader Ustadz Habier Malik, marched off from Brgy. Rio Hondo towards the City
Hall, using civilians as human shield but were stopped
by government forces who conducted effective blocking/defensive positions and delivered overwhelming
fires from our Armored Vehicles fostering shock effect
to the enemy while allowing the government forces to
gain the initiative and occupying vantage positions. Reinforcements from Ipil, ZSP based 12th Light Armored
Cavalry Troop under Cpt. Jonathan Escandor also arrived to augment the troops during the defense of the
City. Lt. Col. Divinagracia arrived immediately after the
Mechanized Division Command conference and supervised the Armor operations and logistical support of
the troops. During the heat of battle and in the depth
of enemy fire, SFV A6073 (CUYO) was hit by a 90mm
RR which caused minor injury of its Ammo bearer, Cpl.
Arquiola. SFV CUYO turret’s traversing mechanism
was slightly damaged but was immediately repaired
and went back to action.
The government forces launched a series of
The Armor Journal
18
attacks against the MNLF Commander Ustadz Habier
Malik, Commander Ussong Uggong and Commander
Dasta lsmael at the stronghold of the rebels at KGK
building at Lustre St., Zamboanga City. A reinforced
Armor platoon consisting of SFV A6073 (CUYO), SFV
A6074 (CAMOTES), SFV A6059 (POLILLO) and SFV
A6036 (ALABAT), with CVRT Scorpion (MAYON) from
1stMech Bn led by Cpt. Halangdon and alongside with
our brothers from the 1LRC, 3LRC and 7SRC, SOCOM, 44IB, 32IB PA , Philippine Marines, PNP-SAF
and local Police fought against undetermined number
of RME as they move forward to assault the enemy position. After almost four (4) hours of heavy firefight, the
troops broke the enemy’s first line of defense at vicinity KGK building and nearby Mosque. The Armor platoon continued to maneuver and shifted fires towards
the enemy, synchronization with sustained attack of
ground troops in order to maintain the momentum, fix,
contain and neutralize the MNLF elements inside the
KGK building.
Meanwhile, in other sectors of the battle area,
1Lt. Jadaone with two (2) Simba Fighting Vehicles
LUBANG and GUIMARAS along with the 44th Infantry
Battalion geared up and headed towards Brgy. Sta.
Catalina. They were tasked to isolate and capture another splinter group and seize their strong points at
Martha and Ayer Villages.
As the troops advanced, they became more
and more cautious due to elements of MNLF trying
to escape during nighttime. Even though deprived of
sleep and small in number, troops took turns in manning the turrets mounted with Cal .50 machine guns
throughout the night and relentlessly continued the
fight during the day. Despite heavy fires from the enemy, 1Cav Troopers did not hesitate to move forward,
day and night, in order to clear the way for advancing
government forces.
With the heat of the fight emerging in different
areas, Cpt. Escandor, along with organic and composite armored vehicles supporting the 1st Scout Ranger
Battalion and Light Reaction Battalion, pushed forward
into the frontlines with four (4) Simba Fighting Vehicles and one (1) Scorpion Tank and assaulted enemy
strongholds at Brgy. Sta. Barbara as infantry units secured the flanks of the vehicles under heavy fire. This
caused the enemy defenses to collapse, allowing the
infantry to penetrate and neutralize elements of MNLF
faction at the center of its operation.
Hqs Platoon brought by Lt. Col. Divinagracia
faced raging enemy fires while constantly providing logistical support and manpower to the crew of our AV’s.
The unit’s effort was constantly renewed with full logistical support coming from the Hqs 1Cav Sqdrn. “Pag
ganitong mga sitwasyon, buhos dapat ang suporta at
walang aatras”, said Lt. Col. Divinagracia.
The operation in the supported sectors resulted
to fifty-four (54) enemy corpses recovered, seventyfour (74) enemy captured, forty-eight (48) high powered
firearms confiscated and eight (8) hostages rescued.
Though the danger from enemy fires, the courage of
the troops made them overcome the odds and support other infantry troops in the heat of battle. This encounter once again demonstrated the effectiveness of
armor infantry operation particularly military operation
in urban terrain.
tate to put their lives at risk to perform the mission and
to save more lives. The troops utilized one (1) KM450
truck, one (1) M35 truck and 200 meters of rope and
immediately evacuated the populace into a safe place,
away from the flash floods.
The 1Cav troops’ momentum to serve was unhampered even if the clearing operations against the
RMEs were not yet totally finished. During the landfall of typhoon “SANTI” from October 5-8, 2013. The
weather situation in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga
del Norte worsened as the municipalities of Sirawai and
Siocon began to be affected by typhoon. The lives of
local residents were threatened with continuous heavy
rains that triggered the flash floods along the wide rivers and caused landslides on the mountainous areas
with strong gusts of wind violently crashing on light
constructed structures and properties. The water overflowed from the river and dam which resulted the loss
of lives and damage to properties.
The Sequel…
During the typhoon, Simba Fighting Vehicles
(Manipa and Dinagat) under TSg. Moreno and his crew
took action on a non-combat environment yet still involving risk of life as they conducted Disaster Relief
and Rescue Operation together with troops of 13th
Special Forces Company aboard one (1) M250 truck
and one (1) KM450 truck. Troops drove thru the flooded
areas of eight (8) Brgy.’s of Siocon Municipality to evacuate one hundred eight (108) trapped residents nearby the rushing water of Siocon River and six hundred
(600) displaced individuals were hauled towards safer
grounds at Siocon Municipal Gym. The distribution of
relief goods by the LGU was facilitated by the troops.
On October 08, 2013, 12th and 14LACT
also conducted disaster response operations of
the two barangays of Zamboanga City namely San. Jose Gusu and Baliwasan that were
devastated by the flash floods. said calamity.
Despite lack of DRO equipment, the unit did not hesi-
Each life experience serves its purpose and
whatever it brings, we better look at it positively. Time
and again the people of Zamboanga were tested by
trials and challenges….. time and again , we were and
will always be there to defend and serve those whom
we have sworn to protect. Onwards Mounted Warriors!
19
The Armor Journal
The Armor Journal - 2
0
Soldiers and their dependents enjoying one of the
parlor games during Family Day Games
HHSBn, Mech Div Personnel artistically
showcases their talent during
7th Activation Anniversary Socials
Maj. Gen Dolojan and his Family together with PMA
Officers and Cadets
Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay together with
Maj. Gen. Dolojan signs the Mech Div Orchard MOA
3rd Mech Inf Bn and HMech Div personnel conducts
clearing operation at Luisita, Tarlac
Lt. Gen. Coballes CG,PA, Maj. Gen. Dolojan and
Maj. Gen De Leon inspect the sniper rifle at the
Mech Div rifle range to be used for AARM ’13
Commander Mech Div, Maj. Gen. Dolojan assisted
by Brig. Gen. Dela Cruz, ADC cuts the ribbon
during the Inauguration of Mech Div Bike Lane
Closing Ceremony of CSC CL 332-13 together with
Commander Mech Div, Maj. Gen. Dolojan AFP
Maj. Gen. Dolojan presents a memento to
Maj. Gen. Essel C. Soriano AFP during
his visit at HMech Div before his retirement.
Guests pose for a picture with our AVs after the
7th Activation Anniversary Mechanized Capability
Demonstration
Maj. Franco, Mech Div Dental Officer along with
his personnel, conduct dental services during a
MEDCAP at PAVHA
Armored Vehicles of 4Mech Bn along
with Zamboanga City Police during their Joint
security operations
Armor personnel take their battle positions and sight
their enemy during the Zamboanga City Crisis
Marine Soldiers together with our Armored Vehicles,
take their positions and maneuver during the clashes
in Zamboanga City
2
1 - The Armor Journal
Team ARMOR poses with Commander 7ID during
the Fort Magsaysay Invitational Duathlon - 2
A picture published by “The Star” shows the troops
feeding doves after coming from the heat of battle
2nd Cavalry Squadron Supports
Army Transformation Roadmap
T
reading the thrust of the Philippine Army, the 2nd
Cavalry Squadron revisited its Squadron - wide
Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Workshop last
September 16 to 19, 2013 at the Squadron Headquarters in Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City. The 4-day
activity was facilitated by Lt. Col. Facundo O Palafox
IV, Squadron Commander and participated in by Staff
Officers, Company Commanders, the Sergeant Major,
Chief of Offices, First Sergeants, and other key NCOs.
Among the several strategic objectives of the
Philippine Army Transformation Roadmap and the
Mechanized Infantry Division is the engagement and
partnership with key stakeholders within the area of
operation in order to develop and communicate an image consistent with the Army’s Core Values. In support to this objective, the Squadron initiated a series of
community-based projects such as the Project Shoebox, Bisita Eskwela and Ugnayan sa Barangay.
As pioneered, project shoebox was originally
intended to distribute basic school supplies and other
personal care items to the less fortunate and indigent
pupils in the province of Quezon. Capitalizing on the
success of Project Shoebox, the 2nd Cavalry Squadron aims to launch a sequel of the project, dubbed as
“Shoebox ko, para sa Kaligtasan Mo”. For this project,
the unit intends to distribute basic Emergency Disaster
Kits to selected indigent families residing in disaster
and calamity prone areas in Quezon and nearby provinces. The project is in partnership with the different
active stakeholders in the civil society and particularly
The Armor Journal
22
the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Office (PDRRMO). Adapting the same concept, recycled shoeboxes will serve as portable Disaster Kits for
distribution to initially 1,000 families. At present, coordination’s are being made to generate support for the
project.
Similarly, the “Bisita Eskwela” and “Ugnayan
sa Barangay” are activities engaging the Elementary,
High School and College Students, Sangguniang Barangay and Kabataan to become responsible citizens
and advocates of the government’s peace and development initiatives. To sustain these projects, a series
of undertakings are being conducted regularly. Among
these ancillary support activities are film showings and
lectures, “ kawal at kabataan, Para sa kalikasan” - a
tree nurturing project, brigada eskwela, feeding activities and series of medical missions, that are conducted
in coordination with other government agencies and
non-government organizations such as the local PNP,
NGO’s and LGUs. The close and genuine partnerships
with these organizations have resulted to signing of
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the various
stakeholders involved.
By and large, the 2nd Cavalry Squadron , Mechanized Division, Philippine Army is continuously contributing its share in realizing a “whole of nation” approach strategy of winning the peace for the Filipino
people and making the Philippine Army a source of
national pride.
W
From One
to Three
for 3rd Cavalry
hen Lt. Col. Leonidas L. Hidalgo took over
the Command of 3rd Light Armor Battalion,
part of his strategy to support the efforts of
nd
the 2 Mech Bde and 103rd Inf Bde is to make sure
that the people are provided with the correct and accurate information of what the Army and the other partner
government and non-government agencies are doing
to help provide the basic services for the people. One
way to effectively and efficiently do this is through radio
broadcasts. Radio Broadcasting is one of the principal
means of quickly disseminating information and educating the people and in areas with developed broadcasting systems just like in Northern Mindanao particularly in Iligan City, the Provinces of Lanao del Norte
and Lanao del Sur where most people listen to radio
broadcasts daily especially if there are interesting programs which provide them essential updates on peace
and development initiatives of the Government and the
Armed Forces of the Philippines as well. 3rd Cavalry
Squadron recognized that Radio broadcasting can be
a channel in disseminating the AFP’s Internal Peace
and Security Plan “BAYANIHAN” through its regular
radio programs in three (3) FM stations: DXNE 94.3
Radio Kalambuan, DXLS 107.1 Love Radio and DXEL
91.3 Sharp News FM and true enough, 3CAV anchors
programs from these stations dubbed as “ANG TINIG
NG KAAGAPAY PARA SA MAMAMAYAN”.
It was on July 28, 2012 when 3LAB started its
free regular radio program in DXLS 107.1 Love Radio FM Station, which is owned and managed by Engr.
Rudy D. Catubay located at Brgy. Tambacan, Iligan
City. The program “Ang Tinig ng Kaagapay para sa Mamamayan” was scheduled every Saturdays from 10am
to 11am featuring its three (3) pioneer Anchor Men/
Woman namely: 1Lt. Mae Cairane B. Budlong of 2nd
Mech Bde as “Ate Mae”, SSg. Joemar L. Mariano as
“Kuya Joe” and Pfc. Domingo R. Elcano of 31LACT as
“Kuya Jhunzel”. Initially designed as a 30-minute program, it quickly became a full one-hour program when
Love Radio saw its importance. As the Radio Program
continued its relevance in broadcasting and picked up
the interest of other stakeholders and the general public, 3CAV received another offer of a free one-hour time
slot from DXEL 91.3 Sharp News FM Station, owned
and managed by Engr. Ernesto A. Loyao and located
at 2nd Flr., Andrada Bldg., Cabili Ave., Iligan City which
scheduled the program every Saturday from 12pm to
1pm. The Radio Program in DXEL 91.3 formally started on August 17, 2013 with the same program and title
but with new Anchor Men namely: Cpt. Ralph Merick L.
Mambil, the CMO Officer of 3CAV, as “Doctor C”, 1Lt.
Alvin G. Nangkil, the HQS Commandant, as “Papa Alpha”, SSg. Joemar L. Mariano, as “Kuya Joe” and later
replaced by Cpl. Froilan O. Bender, as “Air Bender”.
With the Unit’s untiring effort in Information dissemination as an effective tool in harnessing people’s trust
and confidence in the area of operations, 3CAV pursued its plan to have another time slot in one of the
FM Stations on the western side of its Area of Operation which are not covered by the two (2) radio stations in Iligan City. Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Q.
Dimaporo, through his Provincial Information Officer
Mr. Lyndon G. Calica, graciously provided a free onehour timeslot on DXNE 94.3 Radio Kalambuan FM
Stationwhich is owned and operated by the Provincial
Government. With the assistance of the Department
of Health, DXNE FM broadcasts its signal from Tubod,
Lanao del Norte westward to the other towns and even
north across Panguil Bay reaching Ozamis City and
Tangub City in Misamis Occidental. On October 18,
2013 the regular radio program in DXNE 94.3 Radio
Kalambuan FM “ANG TINIG NG KAAGAPAY PARA SA
MAMAMAYAN” was formally started with scheduled
broadcasts every Friday onwards from 1pm to 2pm.
To date, 3CAV has the capability to reach out to
most of Lanao del Norte and some parts of Lanao del
Sur and Misamis Occidental. Thanks to our partners –
DXLS, DXEL and DXNE, the people in the locality are
now better informed of the latest news and of other
government, non-government partnership programs
designed to bring about peace and development in the
Lanao provinces.
23
The Armor Journal
Things that the
Army Aviation Does
By Cpt. Jay Aldin B. Sabaten (CAV) PA
H
ow well do we know about the Army Aviation Battalion? Probably, if we were not assigned with the
Mechanized Infantry Division, nor in units where
the aviation support from the battalion were not been
utilized yet, chances are we will not be familiar with the
capabilities of the unit. Army Aviation Battalion is the
only aviation unit of the Philippine Army. It is based in
Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija under the Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army. At present, the
unit maintains three mission-ready light aircrafts in support of the Philippine Army operations.
Unknown to many, Army Aviation Battalion deploys the aircraft to all parts of the country. During the
third quarter of this year, the unit’s air assets were deployed for various missions in support to the military operations of Army units.
Army lift
Among these operations conducted by the unit
is air transport support which is aimed to provide military
air transportation to Army units. During the conduct of
inspection and evaluation of the armor assets of Mechanized Infantry Division, this unit played a vital role in
providing air transport support to the inspection team of
Armor Maintenance Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Danilo
Cariño CAV (GSC) PA, and now the current Commander of Armor Aviation Battalion. During the entire activity,
the team was transported from one location to another
in order to carry out their task in a short period of time.
Another, the PROMEX Team of APMC, PA also availed
of the support utilizing two aircrafts during the conduct
of promotion examination to the personnel of Army
Units based in Legaspi, Naga, and Virac, Catanduanes.
The unit was tasked to transport the team to the said lo-
cations. During the scheduled visit of 4ID, Commander
and staff to their subordinate units on 16 Septemer 2013
in Mindanao, no less than Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya
AFP, Commander, 4ID, and his staff utilized our aircraft
in their visit to Surigao, Agusan, and Davao. During
these air transport missions, the supported units were
able to travel speedily which saved ample amount of
their precious time and most especially, free from the
risk of enemy actions. Additionally, though we only have
light aircraft which can carry limited numbers of passengers, the supported unit were able to travel comfortably
and conveniently.
See it first
Subsequently, aerial reconnaissance, as the
primary task of the unit, and what it is known for, is
conducted over the areas of 1st Mechanized Infantry
Brigade and 6th Infantry Division. Series of aerial reconnaissance was launched in preparation for a division
operation, which is still in its planning phase as of writing. In the conduct of reconnaissance missions, three
aircrafts were sent to Mindanao which served as platforms in the performance of reconnaissance missions.
Almost all of the officers involved in the operation get
to see the actual ground and take aerial photographs
where the combat operation will be conducted, which
definitely help them in coming up with a plan. Cameras
used during the reconnaissance missions were brought
by the supported unit. Possibly, in the future, these aircrafts will be mounted with modern equipment, like the
digital aerial imaging system, as we specialize in the
field of aerial reconnaissance. Aerial reconnaissance is
very vital as it provides accuracy and timeliness of the
information gathered by airborne troops in order to give
the ground troops a detailed view of the battlespace.
The Armor Journal
24
The Aftermath of Empowerment
by: jabez915
T
“Motivation in the workplace isn't about what you do for your staff;
it's about the work you empower your staff to do for you.”
he greatest thrust of today’s Commanding General Philippine Army is the Non-Commissioned
Officers Empowerment and Professionalization.
This also served as an eye-opener to unit officers of
depriving their NCO unit leaders’ opportunity to lead,
motivate and give wise advice to junior enlisted personnel.
However, empowerment does not occur overnight, and no one ever said it would be easy to be a
mentor or leader of any group of people. It needs a lot
of enthusiasm and patience as a leader. As a start, and
with the desire to engage our NCOs in the decisionmaking process, 1LACT(S) headed by the Troop Commander developed the "Council of Elders". All issues
and communications involving personnel advancement, career development and even designations in
the manning organization of the unit are entrusted to
the council in the unit first sergeant's leadership. In this
way, the unit makes our NCOs feel that their opinions
are valued and they are valuable asset to the organization. The unit envisions that soliciting input from
them will start to empower NCOs as a group. In some
extent, the creation of the "Council of Elders" somehow encourages the NCOs to decide how to go about
their work and allow them to bring solutions and start
thinking logically and further inculcate in them the vision of the unit.
To further strengthen the so called "backbone"
of the Philippine Army, 1LACT(S) also organized the
Mentoring and Counselling System. A list of counsellors and mentors and their potential counselees are
tabulated in two (2) different schemes. Each mentor
is responsible to their direct mentee's actions and fail-
ures. The technique therefore allows every personnel
to be extra cautious with their actions and responsible
enough to perform their assigned tasks to the best of
their ability. More importantly, this provides a two-way
training while the junior sees his mentor as model to
be imitated the senior shows that he is deserving and
prompts him to excel more than what is expected of
him.
Through the unit’s desire to instil the importance of the responsibilities entailed in the positions of
NCO unit leaders as stipulated in PA NCO Empowerment System, 1LACT(S) instantaneously adopted the
installation/turnover ceremony of NCO Unit Leaders.
This shall symbolize the continuity of leadership while
the total responsibility, authority and accountability are
transferred from an outgoing NCO Unit Leader to a
worthy successor. Given the immense responsibility
and accountability of an NCO Unit Leader, it is vital to
emphasize their authority to peers and subordinates. It
is therefore imperative to accord a simple but meaningful Ceremonial Installation/Turnover. Nonetheless, the
installation/turnover isn’t the finale of such delegation
but a challenge to an NCO on how he can reasonably
handle his responsibility.
The whole RAPIDO troop is confident that
these initial steps 1LACT(S) are doing will go a long
way. A truly motivated and selfless soldier is the goal
1LACT(S) envisions of NCO empowerment and is not
hard to realise if our NCOs have sufficient courage to
perform effectively and officers have faith to delegate
the challenge to gain solutions on problems encountered.
25
The Armor Journal
Soldiers with a big Heart
launches ADOPT A SCHOOL Program
by: 2Lt. KBA
F
or the second time around, another successful
collaboration with Soldiers Heart Group was done
for the benefit of the indigents of Davao del Norte.
How it started?
After the successful relief operation last December 2012 for the victims of typhoon “Pablo” , the
Soldiers Heart group’s desire to make another community service in coordination with the 2nd Light Armored Cavalry Troop (Separate) was on its way again.
A series of coordination were made together with the
group’s administrators and Officers of this unit as we
planned for and went through a step by step process to
decide on what project to implement next . We decided
to conduct an Adopt a School Program, targeting the
remote schools within this unit’s area of operation. With
this in consideration, the group immediately identified
the New Visayas Elementary School Annex located at
Maguintalonan, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, school
of pupils from Aeta and Manobo tribes.
The Process
This unit’s CMO section headed several coordinating activities with stakeholders and filled up the
essentials of the project. Our group’s original plan was
to distribute food packs, school supplies and clothes
for the pupils, but when Soldiers Heart posted the kids
pictures to encourage donations, most of the followers of the page noticed the pupils were attending their
classes barefooted. Donations and pledges came from
all over the country and even abroad. With the flooding of donations, we did not wait till December. It is
quite hard seeing these pupils feel the roughness of
the earth’s ground while going to school, and so the
“Slippers Giving Activity” was immediately pursued.
The Culmination
October 11, 2013, this unit, headed by our
Troop Commander Cpt. Raul P. Escat (CAV) PA toThe Armor Journal
26
gether with Soldiers Heart coordinator Ms. Shari Gift
Sabute , launched the “Adopt-A-School” program at
Maguintalonan Elementary School. The said activity
was attended by 150 pupils along with their parents
who witnessed the activity. The slippers were laid in
the ground forming the letters “2LACTS” and SH Heart.
The program was formally opened by Cpt. Escat who
delivered a “bisayan” speech being translated for him
by our personnel since the pupils can barely understand tagalog and I quote, “Hangga't may mga taong
nais sumuporta sa amin at sa Soldier's Heart, kami
ay hindi mapapagod sa pag-abot ng tulong sa inyo.
Nais namin malaman ninyo na ANG MGA SUNDALO
AY HINDI SA PANGGYERA LAMANG MAGALING,
KUNDI MAY MGA GININTOANG PUSO AT MAY HANGARING TUMUTULONG SA INYO sa pamamagitan
ng mga ganitong programa.”
The program will never be complete without
the pupils performing dances showcasing the Lumad
cultures and traditions. The Highlight of the activity
was the fitting of slippers where the barefooted pupils
rushed towards the laid slippers. The personnel of this
unit together with the teachers helped in assisting the
pupils to wear the exact size of slippers. Happiness
and gratitude were seen in every pupil’s eye, some
took the slippers holding it close to their heart as if it
was a treasure meant to be kept and safely guarded
while others put it inside their bags and intends to wear
the said slippers only during special occasions. A light
snack was also given to the pupils before the activity
ended. The school principal, Mrs. Erlinda Grabato expressed her gratitude while the pupils sang the “Glowing Inside” song waving their slippers in the air. As we
leave the area and bade our farewell to the pupils, we
assured them that there are more gifts to come. Our
commitment to help increased because we saw what
others cannot see, we felt what most people do not ,
not because we are soldiers but citizens and members
of this community in the fullest sense.
3LACT(S) @
3
Sgt Marwin S Sasi (Cav) PA
A
wang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao - The
3LACT(S), Mech Div, PA headed by Cpt. Erwin
I. Combate (CAV) PA celebrated its 3rd Founding Anniversary on August 30 to September 01, 2013.
Various activities were conducted before and during
the celebration. These activities were Tree planting,
Blood letting, Thanksgiving Mass and Socials. During
the Tree planting, the unit was joined by teachers and
students of Notre Dame Village National High School,
Cotabato City headed by Mrs. Edna D. Castillo, employees of DENR-ARMM headed by Forester Doming
D. Dagadas, students and
personnel of Army Training Group headed by Lt.
Col. Alex T. Aduca GSC
(CAV) PA, Group Commander and personnel of
23rd Mech Coy, 2nd Mech
Bn, 1Mech Bde, Mech Div,
PA headed by Cpt. Leo S.
Mirador (CAV) PA, Company Commander, at the
National Greening site
Sitio Pagapulan, Awang,
D.O.S., Maguindanao. The
group was able to plant (1,700) pieces of assorted nonfruit bearing seedlings in the area.
Second day of celebration was the blood letting
activity with the theme, "Donate Blood, Save Lives" in
partnership with the medical personnel of Camp Sion-
gco, Station Hospital, 6ID, PA led by Cpt. Daniel S.
Limos (NC) PA and Blood Bank Department of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato City led
by Dra. Aliah D. Dipantar at H3LACT(S) Social Hall.
The activity was participated by teachers and students
of Notre Dame Village National High School, Cotabato City and students from 6th Army Training Group,
TRADOC, PA. The Blood Bank Department of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center was able to gather
19,800cc of blood from forty four blood donors.
The last day of the celebration was a simple party
which was started with a
Thanksgiving Mass and
blessing of the unit's admin
vehicle officiated by Cpt.
Isidro U. Balistoy (CHS)
PA, 6ID Division Chaplain
and it was followed by a
simple program participated by the personnel of this
unit and their dependents.
"I am thankful to my Executive Officer, 2Lt. Monina T. Leynes (CAV) PA and
Personnel of this unit for their efforts and support to
make this celebration successful" was Cpt. Combate’s
message as he expressed his gratitude to his personnel on their endless support to the unit's success.
27
The Armor Journal
4LACT(S) 3rd Founding Anniversary:
Celebration with substance
by: 1Lt. Daisyree Lyn V. Martos (CAV) PA
H
ow do we memorialize a beginning? How can
we magnify the year that was without disregarding the real essence of its transition? There have
been countless occasions that celebrating anniversaries are equated to festivities, eating good food or
drinking bottles of alcohol. Sure enough, via this way,
the memories easily fade
away. After the physical
activities have gone, the
things that really mattered
the most are forgotten instantly.
Since the conception of the 4th Light Armored
Cavalry Troop (Separate),
then 4th Armored Cavalry
Troop, the founding anniversary is constantly remembered with festivities,
eating good food or drinking bottles of alcohol while still remembering to share
to others the tangible and intangible blessings and the
past glories it has gained throughout the past year.
This is the genuine drive why this unit never ceases
to forget what September 1 is all about. A week long
activity is then arranged to give back to those that have
greatly motivated this unit to pursue excellence amidst
the limits and what they have endured along the way
while they perform their best.
The Armor Journal
28
With partnerships solidified through MOAs between 4LACT(S) and its partners, it is but appropriate
to invite them to join the celebration. While the civilian
sector is given importance, the achievements, dedication and hardships of every trooper is given premium
for without them, the unit cannot accomplish what it
has. The weeklong activities for the anniversary
commenced on August
26, 2013 with the pinning
of ranks of two (2) newly
promoted personnel while
deserving personnel were
given certificates of recognition for their commendable performances. On the
other hand, from August
27 to 30, the Troop Commander and personnel of
the unit made it a point to
visit the stakeholders and
to extend our gratitude by saying that they are a very
significant part of 4th LACT(S) triumphs.
On the other hand, service was also part of our
activities that is why on the 27th, skilled carpenters of
the unit granted San Simon Elementary School’s request to rehabilitate their kitchen. With the unit’s effort, they have given the parents a place prepare clean
food for the supervised lunch program of the school to
T
5LACT(S) CONTRIBUTES
MORE THAN WHAT YOUR
EYES CAN SEE! - Mirong ‘07
he 5th Light Armored Cavalry Troop (Separate) continuously performs its mandated
mission to support the Presidential Security
Group in terms of armor operations and provide security and safety to the seat of the Government in
order to protect the President of the Republic of
the Philippines and his immediate family, visiting
heads of state or government and other dignitaries.
Aligned with this mission, 5LACT(S) is also
performing duties such as
Area Security to Presidential
Engagements in parts of the
Philippine Archipelago. The
unit contributes personnel to
include officers to compose
the security personnel of the
President either in National
Capital Region or in Provinces. Each personnel of the
unit who are directly involved
in every engagement are
courageous and wholeheartedly performs his mission in
unison with the PSG Pledge
"when it becomes necessary, that I have to make the ultimate sacrifice, then let
it be so". This line leads and guides every personnel
to tread the straight path in performing their mission.
Personnel of the unit greatly helps in the accomplishment of the PSG's mission especially to Security Task Action Group (STAG) assigned to secure the
President. One of the significant presidential engagements that the personnel joined was during the Zam-
boanga crisis. His Excellency visited
Zamboanga City three days after the
crisis started. Four enlisted personnel
and one officer of the unit were tasked to join STAG
"E" to compose the security of the President during his
stint at the place. Two personnel were tasked as armor
security to the President and these personnel spent
twenty- four hours duty just to maintain full security to
the armor assets securing the President. Fourteen days
of sacrifices were spent by these personnel despite the
danger. Many armor personnel were seen during
combat selflessly performing their tasks but
we must not forget that
other armor personnel
are also performing tasks
although it may not be
seen by others. They are
performing a very crucial role that needs commitment and precision
since a wrong step may
be detrimental to the life
of the Head of the State.
Close-in security and convoy operation are
also performed by the personnel of 5th LACT(S). In
every Presidential Engagement, personnel of the unit
are given tasks as convoy driver and close-in security personnel to the President. We perform tasks given by Higher Headquarters aligned with our mission.
In order to perform its mission, the unit must
also maintain the serviceability of its armor assets
29
The Armor Journal
Paghiliugyon Troopers conducts
BAYANIHAN Project
by: Maj. Russel V. Mascardo (CAV) PA
T
he 6LACT(S) in its commitment to help school children living in the far-flung areas of the country with
the much needed books, bags and other school
supplies in support to higher headquarters’ Project “Shoe
Box”, continued to identify schools within the respective
areas of operations/responsibility as beneficiaries of the
said project but as resources are limited, Jaena Norte Elementary School was not fortunate… at least as of this moment…. But 6LACT(S) never stopped in its will to help and
somehow researched on other aspects where the students
need help… thus, we have identified another concern that
beleaguers the children, malnutrition. Severe malnutrition
among school children of JES has plagued a third of its
total population from Kinder to Grade 6. They have been
categorized as malnourished to severely malnourished
based on their bio-mass index . These children mostly
are sons or daughters of farmers living along the municipal road of Jamindan within a 3-kilometer radius from
Camp Peralta which is the Division’s main supply route.
6LACT(S) began a series of feeding activities that started February 2013 during the regular class schedules of
the school. It was held twice a month during recess of
the students so as not to hamper class schedules. The
meal, usually a food snack with dietary supplement (rice
porridge, pansit, sopas, etc.) was prepared and cooked
by the parents and teachers assisted by our personnel.
In order to sustain the effort, we have engaged other
stakeholders from the local government unit of Jamindan,
the private sector, local media and other non-governmental
organizations that could assist us further in this endeavor.
The Job’s Daughters International, Bethel 4 (JDI) and the
EAR Tutorial Center from Iloilo City heeded our call for the
Bayanihan project. The former organization is composed
of young women, daughters of members of the Free Masonry, which promotes organizational skills, commitment,
leadership and teamwork while having fun in helping others.
The tedious coordination exerted by this unit
has led to the finalization of the collaborative efforts
coming from our stakeholders. After three months of
coordination with the Job’s Daughters Int’l, we have
agreed that the holding of the major activity be done
The Armor Journal
30
on October 26 as this is the only time that a majority of their group will be available for the charitable event.
The activity started with a feeding activity for all
children from Kinder to Grade 6. The 3rd Field Artillery Battalion made an audio-video presentation for the parents
and children while they were enjoying their meal. The main
program started at 9am with the school faculty taking the
helm of the flow of the program. Intermission numbers
were presented by the children as a way of showing their
gratitude to our benefactors. Remarks from Troop Commander 6LACT(S) Maj. Mascardo, a JDI representative
and Mrs. Segundina Fano, the school principal were also
done. Finally, a presentation of gifts was ceremoniously afforded to the school. EAR Tutorial Center also made supplemental tutorials for the students of grades 5 and 6, while
other JDI representatives mingled with the other school
children and taught them the basics of Tae Kwon Do.
The activity benefitted a total of one hundred and
fifty one (151) students with the school faculty having a newly refurbished computer desktop for their office use. The
JDI distributed new pairs of slippers for the children, toothbrushes, books, used clothing and bags of school supplies.
The activity was a first in the history of the school
and our constituents were very appreciative of the efforts that have been given them. The delight of the parents, teachers and the school children made the activity a remarkable one. JDI has been very grateful for the
wonderful opportunity that we have given in finding
an avenue for them to launch such charitable activity.
Because of the fact that we have made an impact on the lives of these school children in this part of
the area of operations, we have successfully brought
the Army closer to our constituents. We have promoted
the image of the Philippine Army not only as an organization whose mandate is to combat the threats to peace
and security but also as an entity that is ready to take
on non-traditional roles in working hand-in-hand with the
community in the pursuit of peace and development.
"Shoebox" Reaches
Samar Provinces
by: Cpt. Leober V. Samudio Jr. (CAV) PA
I
n early 2012, the 2nd Cavalry Squadron (formerly 4th
Light Armor Battalion) in Lucena City conceptualized the Project “Shoebox” aimed at reaching out the
less fortunate school children in far-flung barangays
of Southern Luzon. The noble undertaking caught the
attention of generous individuals and foundations that
led to the pouring in of more shoe boxes, school supplies and personal care items.
Maj. Don G. Frivaldo (CAV) PA, the former
Troop Commander of 7th Light Armored Cavalry Troop
(Separate) thought of replicating the project in Samar
Provinces. He coordinated and tied up with the National Bookstore Foundation and 2GO Express thru the
2nd Cavalry Squadron that resulted to the donation of
school supplies for five thousand (5,000) pupil beneficiaries in Samar and Eastern Samar Provinces. The
initiative was very timely since HPA has also directed
all Army units to replicate the Shoebox Project nationwide.
From August 19 to September 04, 2013, Cpt.
Leober V. Samudio Jr. (CAV) PA, the current Troop
Commander of 7LACT(S) led the Masasarigan troopers in the distribution of the packages that contain
notebooks, pads, pencils, crayons, erasers to sixteen
(16) public elementary schools benefiting 4,704 pupils.
The pupil beneficiaries were very thankful of the
school supplies that they received since the supplies
that their parents bought them last June are almost
running out. Faculty members and parents who were
present when the items were distributed, expressed
their gratefulness and appreciation for the efforts of
7LACT (S).
“Sa susunod na school year sana maging recipient pa din ang school namin. The school supplies
that you gave our pupils are of big help to them. Their
parents, who can barely sustain their daily sustenance,
only rely on farming and fishing. Some are even unemployed.” says Ms. Estrella C. Cortiz, Principal, San
Isidro Elementary School in San Jorge Samar. Truly,
7LACT(S) once again, displayed the spirit of “Bayanihan” in this activity as they whole heartedly helped pupils in need and gave them the inspiration to study hard
and carry on.
31
The Armor Journal
ARMOR Offensive Operations in the City
...an Account of a Commander
by: Lt. Col. Antonio John B. Divinagracia CAV (GSC) PA, Commander 1st Cavalry Squadron
T
he combat operation fitting the AFP elite units against
the Rogue MNLF Elements (RME) in five (5) barangays
which are very proximate to the seat of governance of
Zamboanga City from September 09-28, 2013 will always
be remembered in the history of the Philippine military organization. This operation became the venue of the think
tanks of the executive branch of government, the defense
department and the interior and local government department. Each participant, especially combatants have their
stories to tell. This article will present the view of an Armor
Commander that could be used as reference during combat
operations in the future.
The conflict in Zamboanga City started when on
September 08, 2013 at 10:30pm when elements of Zamboanga City Police Office arrested five (5) MNLF members at
a fishpond in Brgy. Rio-Hondo for having in their possession
illegal firearms and wearing MNLF uniforms while in Zamboanga City.
The JTF Zamboanga Peninsula Lanao or JTF
“ZAMPELAN” (JTFZ) organized Task Groups (JSOG –VECTOR and IGSOON) to conduct combat operations in two (2)
sectors purposely to rescue safely the hostages and to neutralize RME. The armor components employed in the operation were a company minus (14LACT) and one (1) section
(12LACT) of 1st Cavalry Squadron, a mechanized infantry
company (43MIC) of 4th Mech Bn, and a squad from 1st Mech
Bn.
I arrived in Zamboanga City only on Sep. 13, 2013
after attending the 7th Anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division and I immediately reported to the Commander
of JTFZ (Brig. Gen. Trinidad) as well as communicate with
the different battle staff members manned mostly by infantry
officers.
I made rounds with S3 (Cpt. Balanga) in the engagement area to check how my personnel were doing and
to get more grasp of the brewing situation.
Sep. 16, 2013 at 9am, I supervised armor assault at
the junction of Sta. Catalina and Lustre which was to support
the fierce assault of the JSOG units to seize KGK Bldg. In
the forefront was the CVRT Scorpion Tank (MAYON) supported by 7 WAVs. I went to the TCP JSOG to check the
progress of the assault of the LRCs, Rangers and Navy
seals. By 6pm, with more flat tires, superheated and defective barrels and exhausted crew, I immediately called XO to
recommend to C, TG JSOG-VECTOR for swapping WAVs
from 14LACT. We were given 20 minutes to do so but in
just 5 minutes, 1 section (CUYO & CAMOTES) led by Cpt.
Halangdon entered deep into Lustre Street followed later by
another section (ALABAT & POLILIO) and conducted support by fire (SBF) to the assaulting elements. Finally after
a very long night, the assaulting troops were able to seize
KGK Bldg. and rescue hostages. However, the RMEs still
held the adjacent concrete buildings and houses maintaining
their defensive positions. It was only on Sep 19, that friendly
troops completely seized the stretch of Lustre pushing the
RME eastward into the abandoned residential houses.
On Sep. 20 at 3am, TC 12LACT (Cpt. Escandor)
led the combined armor elements with the elements of LRB,
1SRB and NAVSOG in the assault towrds the RME positions in several residential concrete houses in Sta. Barbara.
The Armor Journal
32
The assualt was too risky but it had to be done, Cpt. Escandor boldly led the armor in breaking gates of different target
enemy positions despite being to heavy mortar, grenade
launcher, direct and sniper fires.
On Sep. 22 at 11:30am, the base of the barrel of
CVRT MAYON cracked after firing a total of 70 rounds for 7
days. CVRT MAYON contributed immensely to the fight.
The September 9-28, 2013 operations in Zamboanga City resulted to 25 KIA (20 AFP & 5 PNP) and 183
WIA (169 AFP & 14 PNP); 120 killed, 191 captured and 52
surrendered RME; recovery of 314 firearms and armaments;
rescue of 195 hostages and clearing of 5 barangays. Though
the operations against the RME brought havoc to Zamboanga City as well as to the entire country, it also provided
opportunity for the AFP to assess its capabilities and actions
to confront a major threat group in a highly urbanized city. As
an armor commander, I observed and learned the following:
1. There should be an armor component being commanded by one armor commander to conduct armor operations in a specific battle area. This will provide focused command and control on the combined operations with other
AFP/Army units as well to cater efficiently the admin matters
on personnel and logistics to sustain fighting momentum of
armor units.
2. Leadership dictates the tempo and focus of the
operations. Leaders must think fast and be flexible to adjust
to developing operational environment. Be with your soldiers, share with their risk as the situation demands. Consider available stakeholders that you might need as the operation progresses.
3. Know your capability and your mission. Inform
higher operational commanders what your unit can do as
well as its limitations.
4. Employ your unit beyond what is written on doctrines and SOPs if the situation demands and your action
will provide advantage as well as minimize casualties on the
friendly forces.
5. Prepare mission essential equipment/supplies
such as cable/rope, chainsaw, cable cutter, flashlight, power
inverter (to recharge mobile phones and power fans inside
the vehicle), binocular, water, dry rations, vitamins and medicines, etc.
This experience expanded my perspective on the
inter-operability among fighting units that whatever training and culture each unit has, there is no substitute to the
fighting attitude that each soldier had in his heart and mind.
Above all, I attributed our safety and accomplishment of
mission to our Almighty God who is always with us. Though
most of our vehicles were hit by direct, sniper, 90mm RR,
grenade launcher and mortar fires, there was no major damage that were inflicted on us. As the commander of 1CAV, I
can proudly and confidently say that given any crisis situation, the 1CAV professional tanker will always stand by its
name “TAGAPANGUNA” and be ready to respond and deliver beyond expectations any mission given to us whether it
will be as supporting or the main effort, we will be there….
“ TANGKERONG PINTOR ”
S
a bawat guhit at kulay na nagpapahiwatig ng samut-saring kahulugan
na kung minsa’y tanging akda lamang ang makakapagpaliwanag nito at
maari din nating kakitaan ng natatangi
at kamanghamanghang galing ang sinasaad nito. Kahalintulad nating mga tangkero, mayroon tayong kanya–kanyang
angking talento at galling sa ibat-ibang
larangan na maaaring matuklasan natin
sa ating mga sarili o nalinang ng husto at
naipamalas.
Hindi nga naman natin maipagkakaila na ang Mechanized Division ay
may mga sundalong naitatagong talento. Pagpapatunay nito ang mahusay na
mang aawit na si Pfc Janice Del Pilar;
si Pfc Errol Ollodo na magaling sa sayawan at hindi rin pahuhuli ang ating banda na binububo ng Mechanized Division
Band. Bagamat halos lahat ng larangan
ay mayroon na tayong maipagmamalaki,
hindi rin pahuhuli ang ating “Tankerong
Pintor” sa pagpipinta.
Pangarap ng ating Tangkerong
Pintor ay maging dalubhasa sa larangan
ng pagpipinta. Hinangad niya ring mapabilang sa hilera ng mga mahuhusay na
pintor sa ating lipunan.
Sa kabila ng kanyang tungkulin
bilang tangkero, hindi ito naging hadlang
sa unti–unting pagtupad ng kanyang
mga pangarap bilang isang pintor. Nitong
nakaraang Setyembre 2013 lamang ay
lumahok ang ating Tangkerong Pintor sa
Ninoy@30 “Tragedy to Triumph” Painting Contest na ginanap sa SM City Tarlac
na kung saan napasama ang kanyang
obrang “The Pearl of Victory” sa Top
15 at hinirang bilang People’s Choice
Award . At noong Oktubre lamang ay
muli siyang sumali sa Vision Petron National Student Art Competition “Lakbay
Tagumpay” na ginanap sa National Museum at pinalad na mapasama sa semifinalist ang kanyang dalawang obra na
“Connection” para sa kategorya ng Oil/
Acrylic at “Halfway to Success” para
naman sa kategorya ng Watercolor.
Sa mga tropeyo at sertipiko na
napanalunan ng ating Tangkerong Pintor, higit pa doon ang kasiyahan at katuparan ng kaniyang mithiing maipakita
at maging makabulohan ang talentong
bigay sa kaniya. Hindi rin ito naging
hadlang sa kaniyang tungkulin bilang
isang sundalo. Sa katunayan ang ating
Tangkerong Pintor ay ang kasalukuyang Lay-out Artist / Graphic Designer
ng Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO)
Chuppy0425
Mechanized Division. Kasabay ng progresibong pagbabago sa panahon ng
siyensa at teknolohiya naging maagap
din ang ating tangkerong pintor sa mga
pagbabagong ito. Naging mas madali
ang kanyang mga tungkulin sa tulong
ng mga makabagong teknolohiya. Hindi
lamang sa pansariling katuparan ang
binibigyang pansin ng ating Tangkerong
Pintor maging ang kaniyang tungkulin ay
hindi niya pinababayaan. Sapat lamang
upang maging inspirasiyon ka sa bawat
isa sa ating hukbo. Saad naming isa ka
na rin sa mga hilera ng magagaling na
pintor sa ating lipunan.
Ikaw? Anong talento meron
ka? Sana kagaya ng ating kasamahan
ay malinang mo rin ang iyong talento
at magamit sa wastong pamamaraan.
Tanging tayo lamang ang nakakaalam
kung anong kagalingang meron tayo.
Kagaya ng isang pintor na siya ring
mas nakakaalam ng kahulugan mula sa
bawat direksiyon ng kanyang mga kamay sa pag-guhit hanggang sa kulay na
kaniyang pinipili at sa kinakalabasan ng
kaniyang natatanging Obra-Maestra.
Saludo kami sayo PFC.
Crisanto G. Sator (Cav) PA ang ating
“TANGKERONG PINTOR”.
TIME...Our greatest resource
THE LAST WISHES OF
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
On his deathbed Alexander summoned his generals and told them his
three ultimate wishes.
1. The best doctors should carry his coffin;
2. The wealth he had accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the way to his burial, and
3. His hands should be left hanging outside the coffin for all to see.
Surprised by these unusual requests,
one of his generals asked Alexander to
explain. Here is what he said -
1. I want the best doctors to carry my
coffin to demonstrate that in the face of
death, even the best doctors in the world
have no power to heal;
2. I want the road to be covered with my
treasure so that everybody sees that the
wealth acquired on earth, stays on earth...
3. I want my hands to swing in the wind
so that people understand that we come
to this world empty handed and we leave
empty handed after the most precious
treasure of all is exhausted - Time.
Time is our most precious treasure because it is limited. We can pro-
duce more wealth, but we cannot produce
more time.
When we give someone our
time, we actually give a portion of our life
that we will never take back. Our time is
our life!
The best present you can give
your family and friends is your time. May
you have the wisdom to give it.
Source: Facebook Shared post
33
The Armor Journal
Hardin ng Lunas... a Brief History
H
ardin ng Lunas was formally launched by H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III on October 12,
2012 in Moncada, Tarlac. Since then, the AFP spared no ground in trying to bring this project
into the foreground and slowly with God’s blessings, the ripples that this project has generated have started
to take root.
Hardin ng Lunas at the Armor School is a symbiotic partnership between Tarlac Heritage
Foundation and the Mechanized Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac that seeks to promote organic vegetable farming as a way of life and a source of livelihood.
Whenever the space is big enough, a livestock farm, fishponds and a fruit tree orchard are incorporated
into the master plan of the Hardin ng Lunas, as was the case at Camp O’Donnell. Vegetables, fish, and
fruit constitute a healthy diet and should be the hallmarks of a Filipino meal for we believe that a healthier
individual and a healthier soldier make a stronger AFP. An 8 hectare lot situated right in the midst of
the sprawling grounds of Camp O’Donnell is a testimony to this shared advocacy. This undertaking was
made possible through the AFP’s IPSP Program named “Project Bayanihan”.
Marching on...
Diwa ng Pasko...
Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay
S
a Mechanized Infantry Division Hardin ng Lunas,
nagkasama sama ang mga opisyal mula sa kanilang
pinuno at Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Nicanor
E. Dolojan; Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen.
Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz; Col. Leodegario D. Dela Paz;
Col. Felicisimo C. Budiongan;
at lahat ng mga opisyal, enlisted personnel at candidate
soldiers at dependents mula
sa pagbubungkal ng lupa,
pagtatanim, pag-aaruga ng
lahat ng 69,829 binhi ng sarisaring gulay at 287 na bungang kahoy; pag-aani ng gulayan; pag-aalaga ng 3 babae
at 2 lalaki na Boer na kambing pang karne at gatasan, at
pagbibingwit ng 2,700 tilapia
nuong inagurasyon ng “Hardin ng Lunas” nuong ika 9 ng
Setyembre 2013.
Ang inagurasyon ng
Hardin ng Lunas ay inialay ng
Tarlac Heritage Foundation at Headquarters ng Mechanized Infantry Division, PA sa kasundaluhan at kanilang
mga mahal sa buhay at sa mga sibilyan na komunidad
na nakapaligid sa Camp O’Donnell at ng 31st, 32nd at
33rd Mechanized Infantry Companies. Dito nakikita ang
The Armor Journal
34
paghahangad ng dalawang grupo na makatulong hindi
lang sa mga sundalo at ang kanilang pamilya kundi pati
na rin sa mga taong kanilang nakakasama sa komunidad.
Dahil dito, binuksan din ni Maj. Gen. Nicanor E. Dolojan
ang “Hardin ng Lunas” sa lahat ng nagnanais bumili ng
sariwa at organikong gulay
at tilapia sa mas mababang
halaga o “farmgate” prices.
Nagkaroon na ng mga suki
ang Division Fishponds at
gulayan. Dahil sa kasaganahan ng aning gulay na humigit
sa kakayahan ng mga magkokonsumo sa kampo, may
mga negosyante na at mga
dependents na nagkusang
loob na mamili at maglako ng
mga gulay sa kakilala nilang
mga suki na nagtitinda sa palengke. Ang mga opisyal at
dependents din ang nakaisip
na gamitin ang inaning gulay
sa paggawa ng Hot Sauce
at Achara na unti-unti nang
naibebenta ng bote botelya na at naging produkto na ng
Mechanized Infantry Divison, PA, Camp O’Donnell at nakapaloob sa kanilang balak na itayong kooperatiba. Dahil
sa tinamasang tagumpay ng Headquarters, Mechanized
Infantry Division sa kanilang IPSP Project Bayanihan
kasama ng Tarlac Heritage Foundation, kami ay nilapitan ng Headquarters, 33rd Mechanized Infantry (Hunter
Company) sa So. Jolo, Brgy. Guiteb, Ramos upang magkaroon din ng project kasama nila. Pagdalaw ko sa nasabing Hunter Company napansin ko na mababa ang
lugar na kinasasakupan nila at alam kong binabaha sila
tuwing tag-ulan. Sa aming pag-uusap ni 1Lt. Ernan C.
Capulong noong Disyembre 17, 2012, napagdesisyonan
naming dalawa na pala-isdaan ang aming gagawin sa
pakikipagtulungan ng Hardin ng Lunas at ng Mech Div at
yun ang project na ilalagay ng
Tarlac Heritage Foundation sa
kampo nila. Pumayag kaagad
ang kanilang Company Commander na si Cpt. Rodrigo
B. Lutao Jr. sa aming pinagusapan. July 26, 2013 naghulog kami ng 10,000 fingerlings
ng South African Catfish o
“Hito” sa kanilang fishpond.
Ito’y inalagaan ng 3 opisyal
at 24 enlisted men ng Hunter
Company upang maipagbili sa
mga gustong tumangkilik sa
rasonableng halaga ng sariwang hito mula sa palaisdaan
ng kampo.
Dumating ang panahon na pinangangambahan
naming lahat sa Hunter Company–Bagyong Santi noong
ika-22 ng Setyembre! Nagdeklara ng State of Calamity
ang lalawigan ng Tarlac. Nahati ang kalsada papasok sa
Hunter Company at nagkaroon ng spillover ng tubig at
South African Hito sa kabilang kalsada kung saan nagpaparami kami ng native na Hito mula Oktubre; pareho
silang nakatakas at lumangoy sa mga lupain sa tabi ng
Hunter Company. Ganunpaman, may mga natira pa at
yuon na lamang ang ibebenta at pagkukunan ng pondo
upang makapagpalaki muli ng 2 klase ng Hito.
Nuong ika-24 ng Oktubre nagtala si Maj. Gen.
Nicanor E. Dolojan ng Family Day sa O’Donnell. Namahagi ang Tarlac Heritage Foundation’s Hardin ng Lunas
ng gulay sa 300 daan na pamilya ng kasundaluhan.
Napag-usapan namin sa Family Day ang pagpapasail-
alim ng lalawigan ng Tarlac sa “State of Calamity” dahil
sa Bagyong Santi. Sa darating na buwan ng Disyembre,
buwan ng Kapaskuhan, bagama’t ang gulayan ng Camp
O’Donnell ay hindi pa handa na mapitasan ng sari-saring
gulay mula sa kanilang mga taniman hanggang sumapit
ang katapusan ng Enero 2014 at ganuon din ang tilapia sa kanilang mga fishponds, naisip namin nina Maj.
Gen. Nicanor E. Dolojan, Brig. Gen. Mayoralgo M. Dela
Cruz, Cpt. Filemon I. Tan Jr., Maj. Cresencio Sanchez at
Maj. Mario Igmen na tawagan ang mga opisyal ng 33rd
Mechanized Infantry (Hunter
Company) kung papayag
sila na bilhin ng Tarlac Heritage Foundation ang South
African Hito production nila,
na napalaki na nila mula sa
mga naiwan na fingerlings
sa fishpond nila, pagkaraan
ng bagyong “Santi” nuong
Setyembre at ipapamahagi
ng Tarlac Heritage Foundation’s Hardin ng Lunas, at ng
Headquarters
Mechanized
Infantry Division, kasama ang
31st, 32nd, and 33rd Companies yung hito at sasamahan
ito ng mga atchara na gawa
din sa Mech Div para sa “indigent families” sa mga mapipiling lugar na kinasasakupan
nila sa buong lalawigan ng Tarlac.Isang masarap na kainan sa simpleng hapag kainan ... Ito ang magsisilbing
pamaskong handog naming lahat para sa aming minamahal na mga Tarlaqueños na walang maihanda para sa
pamilya nila sa buwan ng Kapaskuhan. Mapaaga man
ang paghahandog nang pang salu-salo para sa mga “indigent families” na napili ng kasundaluhan sa buong lalawigan ng Tarlac nguni’t sa pamamagitan ng pag-alay ng
munting alaala na ito, naipadama sana naming lahat sa
kanila ang aming taos pusong pagmamahal at pakikipagtulungan sa kapwa. Para sa aming lahat na kapit bisig
na tumutulong at tutulong parin sa taong bayan sa mga
darating na panahon, naipamalas naming lahat ang buod
ng IPSP Bayanihan ng AFP at para sa aming lahat na
mga ”stakeholders”, ito ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko.
ONE STEP ‘HOTTER’
T
he Hardin ng Lunas group initially intended to produce fresh vegetables only but the yield was so
great that we needed to explore and venture into
producing atchara and chili sauce. This idea came to be
when the skill of our dependents and the availability of
fresh produce were there. With this development, The Armor School ventured into producing these condiments.
Finding the various benefits of this tiny fauna and its great
potential in providing an extra income, Lt. Col. Ferdinand
B. Lacadin (CAV) PA, led the worthwhile endeavor. Chilies are common in every household’s kitchen be it fresh
or dried. It has various great nutritional values because
it contains amount of Vitamin C., carotene (pro Vitamin
A), most B vitamins Potassium, magnesium, and iron.
(www.wikipedia.com). With all these health and benefits,
Lt. Col. Lacadin is confident that the project will be of big
help by being an additional source of income of the troops
and their respective families. He stressed that no matter
how small an endeavor is when being done with passion
and commitment, it will certainly grow BIG. As the saying
goes :A leap towards victory comes from smaller steps”.
Who knows? This small business for our personnel can
bloom into a full blown blaze in the future . Truly, this will
be a very hot issue indeed.
35
The Armor Journal
Health and Fitness
Nutrition Tips on Holidays
Meat
•
Trim as much fat as possible
from meat before cooking
•
Serve fresh fish or seafood
instead of roast red meat.
T
he holidays are one of the most
festive times of the year where get
together with friends and family
happens and often these gatherings are
highlighted by food and drinks that you
can’t resist. Holidays are also the hardest time to eat healthy and stay in shape.
By arming yourself with healthy tips and
nutrition knowledge before the holiday
season comes, you can avoid gaining
weight during this “tempting” time of the
year. So… here are some healthy tips
that will serve as guide for you to stay in
shape during this season.
Moderation
Here are some ideas for moderating
what you eat this festive season.
•
Use a smaller plate ~ your mind
will consider it a full plate regardless of its
size!
•
Where there are choices, take
a little of many things rather than lots of
one thing.
•
For every glass of alcohol or soft
drink, have a glass of water. Water fills
you up.
Alternatives
Whenever you have control over the food
on offer, always look for the healthier alternative.
Vegetables
•
Keep vegetables as close to raw
as possible. Don’t overcook them.
•
Steam vegetables rather than
boiling them – healthier and tastier!
Desserts
•
salad
Supply a fruit platter or fresh fruit
Don't arrive at holiday parties hungry
Walking into a party laden with
goodies while your stomach is grumbling
is a surefire way to grab something you
will regret later
Be social
By focusing on the people and the connections you can rekindle, you will forget
about the lavish buffet along the wall.
Don't forget to exercise
Don't skip on your regular exercise routine. Even if you only have 30 minutes,
take those 30 minutes and get active.
Sources:
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/812327/christmas-diet-strategies http://www.wordconstructions.com.au/articles/xmas%20eat.htm
http://www.ehow.com/info_7805252_holiday-nutrition-tips.html#ixzz2jiuxoHF5
6 causes of dental pain and how to fix it!
There is no worse discomfort than dental pain. The pain can range from slightly uncomfortable to excruciating. Oral
health information and proper dental management are very important to prevent these dental problems.
1: Dental Caries
Caries is a bacterial disease,
commonly called dental cavities.
Solution:
Before a cavity forms, it can
be reversed by using fluoride toothpaste or tablets. If a cavity has already
formed, it must be filled.
2: Dental sensitivity
Dental pain are related to sensitivity. Exposed tooth roots, increases
sensitivity to cold, hot, salty and sour
foods, and acid erosion which weakens
and breaks the tooth enamel thus, exposing the nerve.
Solution:
Toothpastes can be effective
against sensitivity, and seek advice
from dentists for proper usage.
3: Impacted teeth
If a wisdom tooth is concealed
in the gum, it may lead to an infection
and can be extremely painful.
The Armor Journal
36
Solution:
All impacted teeth, unless and
otherwise contraindicated are considered for surgical removal.
4: Inflammation of the gums
Periodontal disease is a rare
gum disease condition in adolescents
and young adults, which develops
slowly over time and it can be very
painful.
Solution:
A dentist can clean the tooth’s
surface to remove the bacteria that
caused the inflammation.
5: Inflammation of the nerve and
root tip
Decay leads to bacteria in
the nerve causing acute toothache.
Bacteria can enter through a fresh
cavity or under an old filling and
reach the nerve causing severe pain.
Solution:
See your dentist to diagnose
and treat this damage sooner. Root canal filling provides fast pain relief.
6: Sore teeth
If you have sinusitis, inflamed
teeth may feel tender and sore when
biting or chewing. If you have tooth decay or teeth with other problems, sinusitis may really hurt.
Solution:
Pain will subside once the infection fades. If your pain is related to
teeth problems, consult your dentist, as
it is likely to recur.
http://www.click2how.com/6-causes-dental-pain
Continuation:
Ang Huwaran na Senior NCO
kasanayan at pag-uugali na dapat taglayin ng isang
sundalo.
Dagdag pa sa regular na gawain upang ganap
na linangin at mahubog ang aming mga kasundaluhan
ay hikayatin silang ugaliin magbasa ng diyaryo o iba
pang babasahin sa harapan ng mga kasamahan upang
masanay sila sa pagsasalita, pagharap sa kapwa tao
at maitaas ang antas ng kanilang pagtitiwala sa sariling kakayahan. Ganoon din naman upang madagdagan
ang kanilang kaalaman lalo na sa mga kasalukuyang
pangyayari. Sa linguhan naming paglilibang (film showing), pinipili namin ang mga panoorin na ang bawat sundalo ay may matututunan na magandang aral at maiuugnay ang buhay nila sa tema ng napanood. Kasama
na rin sa dalawang nabanggit na programa na itaas ang
talakayan at pagpasa ng asignatura ayon sa kanilang
natutunan at opinyon sa nabasa at napanood.
Continuation:
Things that the Army Aviation Does
Furthermore, supported unit took advantage of aerial
reconnaissance and learned how to accurately map the
area of operations and analyze possible enemy courses
of action. Hopefully, aerial imaging systems and techniques will be developed to give better appreciation of
aerial reconnaissance.
Eye in the sky
Last but not the least, aerial patrol and observation is one of the capabilities of the unit. Sometime in
August, while the team was about to conduct an aerial
reconnaissance, an IED explosion was reported in the
area of 1Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The flght mission was immediately diverted over the area of incident
to conduct an aerial patrol and observation in order to
monitor the progress of the incident and likewise feed
essential information to the operating ground troops.
Same mission was also launched during the encounter between troops of 603rd Infantry Brigade and armed
lawless elements of BIFF in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
While the firefight was still going on, an aircraft with intelligence personnel onboard was immediately dispatched
for a flight mission purposely to monitor the encounter
and further determine the withdrawal route of the enemy
to be fed back to the operating troops. A conversation
with an officer from 603rd Brigade revealed that during
the patrol over the encounter area, the presence of the
aircraft flying over the area brought pressure to the withdrawing BIFF which forced them to release some of the
hostages. In a different occurrence, after the artillery fire
mission in the area of 1st Mechanized Brigade, the supported unit was appreciative of the Army Aviation Battalion to be a source of information in coming up with a
battle damage assessment, hence, the unit was tasked
for a flight mission over the area. Photographs of the impact area were taken from a safe altitude of 5,500 feet
above sea level, hence, the use of a DSLR camera and
appropriate lens will provide high-quality and detailed
images which can dramatically improve the aerial photography capability. Reports from aerial observers yielded positive results that directly affected the outcome of
the military actions.
At upang higit pang mapahusay ang kanilang
kakayahan, sa tuwing magsasagawa kami ng pagsasanay, pumipili kami ng ibat-ibang sundalo upang siyang
maging tagapagpakilala at tagapagsalita tuwing ang
pagsasanay ay magsisimula at magtatapos na. Ganito
na rin ang aming ginagawa sa iba pa naming mga aktibidades ng yunit. Ang mga papel na dati ay laan lamang
sa mga opisyal ay buong tiwala na nilang ibinibigay sa
mga kasundaluhan upang higit na mapabilis at mapataas ang kalidad ng aming mga kasundaluhan. Dagdag
pa rito, itinuro na rin ang pagsasagawa ng counselling at mentoring upang ang bawat NCO ay maaari ng
makapagbigay ng magandang payo sa mga sundalong
nasa ilalim ng kanyang ranko. Ito ay upang ganap din
nilang maisabuhay ang tamang pamumuno at paghubog sa kaalaman at kasanayan ng mga sundalong nasasakupan ng kanilang ranko at posisyon. Ginawa na
ring polisiya o alituntunin ng yunit na ang bawat bagong
sundalo na nataas ng ranko lalo na at NCO ay magrereport sa Punong Sarhento upang mapaliwanagan sa
kanyang magiging gawain, tungkulin at responsibilidad.
Sa mga pagpupulong at gawain ng yunit, sila ay hinihikayat at binibigyan ng pagkakataon na maibigay ang
kanilang saloobin at opinyon para sa mga bagay-bagay
na makakatulong upang maisagawa ang mga balakin at
The Army Aviation Battalion provides limited
programa ng yunit.
aviation support not only to the Mechanized Infantry Division, but also to Army units requiring its assistance.
Masasabi kong malayo na rin ang aming nilakWith these flight missions conducted by the unit, given
bay dito sa 2CAV... alam kong ganun din sa ibang yunit
the limited equipment, we see how significant the unit is
na nagsisikap ipatupad ang muling pagpapalakas at
in support to Army operations. We believe that the unit
pagpapasigla sa kakayahan ng ating kasundaluhan na
will perform more when given a chance to upgrade its
matugunan ang aming takdang gawain, tungkulin at reequipment in the years to come. Additionally, the proper
sponsibilidad. Ito ay bunsod na rin sa pagtutulungan ng
training, courage, and dedication to duty of your Army
bawat kasundaluhan at sa malaking suporta at tiwala
Aviators will bring great achievements not only in aviana ibinibigay ng aming mga pinuno. Patuloy naming tation operations but also to the Army Operations as well.
tahakin ang magandang landas tungo sa layuning tunay
na pagpapatupad ng NCO Empowerment para sa mas
This is your Army Aviation Battalion, doing it’s
propesyunal, mas malakas at mas responsableng sun- best to meet your aviation support requirement. Come
dalo ng Mechanized Infantry Division.
fly with us!!
37
The Armor Journal
Continuation:
4LACT(S) 3rd Founding Anniversary
benefit their pupils. The next day, the same team went
to the lone adopted High school of the unit; the Lumbia National High School. Troops transferred, cleaned
and prepared the school’s new garden. G.L Anhawon
Elementary School was the next venue of the troops.
On August 29, each personnel held their brushes and
happily painted the corroded metal stairs and classroom fences of the school. Each school visit ended with
a boodle fight along with the students and the faculty
and a brief fellowship with stakeholders highlighted by
the Troop Commander expressing the unit’s gratitude
by presenting certificates to deserving stakeholders who
gave their all out support to every endeavour of this unit
without asking for anything in return. As the weeklong
celebration is about to finish, a tree planting activity was
conducted on the 30th as the unit planted an additional
one hundred and fifty (150) seedlings to the previously
planted ones at the Makaluesa Reforestation Area at
Opol, Misamis Oriental. Equally important event was the
Thanksgiving mass at Sacred Heart Parish. The Parish
facilitates the spiritual and GAD related activities of this
unit. The blessing of the newly acquired KM450 of the
unit was also done after the mass. In this way, the troopers not only are giving back to the people, but above
all giving back everything to where all originally come
from… God. To culminate the celebration, the unit along
with their dependents spent time to visit the island born
of fire-Camiguin. Personnel and their dependents set
foot on the different tourist spots like Katibawasan Falls,
Ardent hot spring, Soda Pool, Sunken Cemetery, The
life-size replica of the Station of the Cross and Camiguin
white Island. Indeed, it was a fruitful and momentous activity and reminded the troops of the reason behind the
commemoration of our efforts and unit and having our
family during the journey made it all more worth while.
These rare opportunities gave sense to what this unit
believes in--to build monuments in the hearts of others
and create melodies of inspirations to everyone who is
eager to dream for an improved tomorrow despite the
shortcomings and debacles we are faced with. Even
though the road to betterment may seem hard and risky,
with the scar and failure of learning brought by the past,
each one can be bold enough to stand and continue
to go on against the odds in order to be of help to every person. This is what 4Th LACT(S) believes in, has
proven and exemplifies. 4th LACT(S) is not aiming for
perfection, this unit just posses the will and courage to
make a difference and impact the lives of others and
make known that we are their partners not only during
times of war…. but also in times of peace.
The Armor Journal
38
Continuation:
5LACT(S) CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN
WHAT YOUR EYES CAN SEE!
also maintain the serviceability of its armor assets
to include the morale and welfare of its personnel.
Through the effort of the office of the AC of S
for Logistics, G4, Mechanized Infantry Division, the
unit was allotted one (1) new KM450 to be used by
the unit in performing its mission. The old KM450 issued earlier to the unit was turned-over to UPO, Mech
Div to be used by the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion. Servicing of armored vehicles
of the unit is always done such as repair of alternator,
installation of voltage regulator, replacement of battery and side mirrors to the Armored Vehicles Simba Fighting Vehicle - A6027 (Tablas), replacement of
valve relay Assembly of SFV - A6063 (Jomalig), SFV
- A6067 (Sicogon) and SFV - A6066 (Cadlao), repair
of Electronic Gear System of SFV - A6001 (Luzon).
Administrative vehicles are also serviced and repaired like overhauling of the Lite Ace Admin Vehicle.
5th LACT(S) likewise sends personnel to undergo different schooling and seminars in and outside the
Presidential Security Group. Five (5) personnel were
sent to undergo VIP Protection Course at PSG Training School last July and has successfully graduated
last August 2013. Recommended personnel by the unit
also undergone different seminars and trainings such
as Turret and Weapon System, Gender Awareness,
HIV/AIDS Seminar and Computer Literacy. For career
advancement, the unit also sends personnel to undergo career courses like Armor Non-Commissioned Officer Advance Course and Armor Non-Commissioned
Officer Basic Course. These schoolings, seminars and
trainings will help equip every personnel in the unit not
only in performing their responsibilities but mold and
prepare them to be more professional and respectable members of the Mechanized Infantry Division
and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole.
In terms of security, newly air-conditioned
post and CCTV cameras with monitors were installed
within the vicinity of 5LACT(S) Headquarters through
the effort of the Presidential Security Group. Those
twenty four cameras are monitored by the unit's duty
post. By means of these, security within the area
was strengthened as events and activities are monitored either threat or not to the unit's armor assets.
The 5th Light Armored Cavalry Troop (Separate) will continue to follow the "straight path" which
is the President’s thrust in performing all assigned duties. That popular thrust of the President guides and
reminds every member of the unit to live with that
goal and make it an inspiration especially in every accomplishment of the mission. In following the “straight
path”, 5LACT(S) assures that every personnel can lay
on the bed of success and prestige when time comes.
39 - The Armor Journal
The Armor Journal - 40

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