CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao — The Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, Major General Roy M Galido, personally inspected newly arrived Philippine Army assets during his visit to the 1st Brigade Combat Team’s camp in Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on August 24, 2022.
MGen. Galido was warmly welcomed by Colonel Leodevic Guinid, commander of 1BCT; staff and commanders of component units under 1BCT.
Among those inspected by MGen. Galido is the newly-issued one-unit M125A2 Armored Mortar Carrier. The said armored vehicle is the latest additional asset of the 6th Mechanized Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion of the Armor (Pambato) Division, PA. The 6th Mech Inf Bn is one of the attached units to the 1BCT and is currently commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand L Dela Cruz. A short on-site briefing was conducted by Cpt. Gerardo Alvarez, 6th Mechanized Battalion’s Operations Officer, regarding the AV’s capabilities and characteristics.
The new M125A2 with a 120mm Mounted Mortar System will replace the earlier version that is equipped with a smaller 81 mm Mounted Mortar System. With its 120-mm mounted mortar system complemented by an advanced computerized target acquisition system as well as its forward observation system, the M125A2 will certainly boost the firepower capabilities (specifically indirect fire support) not only of the 6MechBn but of the 1BCT in the conduct of combined arms operations against local terrorists in the area of JTF Central.
MGen Galido expressed his appreciation and shared his experiences in successfully employing the 81 mm MMS during focused military operations when he was still a brigade commander. “With this latest firepower upgrade, I believe that it will certainly enhance the capabilities of the unit, and it will certainly make a difference on the battlefield,” MGen. Galido said.
“We have witnessed the development in terms of assets not only for 6ID but also in the entire organization of the Philippine Army into a professional and capable army for our country. And as the army’s modernization program advances, we are looking at a very bright future for our land force to secure and protect our land of promise against the enemies of the people who may wish to take away the much-loved freedom that everybody cherishes,” the Division Commander underscored.
It was recalled that the 1BCT was an augmentation brigade-size troop to strengthen security forces’ presence in support of the current peacebuilding and development efforts in South-Central Mindanao.
