PILI, Camarines Sur  (PIA) – The Philippine Army conducted a 2-day live firing exercise at the 2nd Infantry (Second to None) Battalion in Purok 5, Barangay Panicijan, Masbate, with the primary objective of safeguarding the nation against both external and internal threats.

The said exercise, spearheaded by the 5th Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment (5FAB,ARR) headed by LtCol Michael Yves Rayma, also aims to ensure the readiness of government troops to counter any insurgent activities and unlawful violence of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

The 2-day activity from Sept. 23 to 24, was supported by a twin resolution from the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of Uson and Barangay Bonifacio. In unanimous agreement, members of both councils authorized the conduct of Live Fire Exercises (LFE) involving mortars and 10MM Howitzers in Barangays Simawa, Madao, and the boundary of Brgy. Bonifacio, in the island province of Masbate.

In an excerpt from the SB Resolution No. 2023-58, series of 2023, members of the council expressed their consent for the military to carry out Live Fire Exercises (LFE) to give their personnel an opportunity to become more familiar with the armaments and  identify suitable firearms for future military operations.

The said request was also approved by the Barangay Council of Bonifacio under Resolution No. 10, series of 2023. Quoting an excerpt from the said resolution, the Sangguniang Barangay expressed that they “recognize the task and programs of the Philippine Army to combat all enemies who wish to destroy the freedom and independence of the Filipino people.” 

903rd Infantry ‘Patriot’ Brigade headed by BGen. Aldwine Almase led the actual exercises, together with 2nd IB Commanding Officer LtCol Orlando C. Ramos Jr., 96th IB Commanding Officer LtCol Jeffrey S. Bugnosen, LtCol Michael Yves P. Rayman, Commanding Officer of 5FAB, ARR, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP) Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team and PNP Uson.

To ensure the safety of the civilians and any living creatures, the 2IB designated an uninhabited area as the designated target point for the cannon.

“Isa ito sa patuloy na pag-iimprove ng kakayahan ng ating kasundaluhan upang puksain na ang karahasan ng terorismo hindi lamang dito sa Masbate kundi pati na rin sa buong Kabikolan (This [exercise] aims to enhance the skills of our soldiers to effectively fight terrorism, not only here in Masbate but in all parts of the Bicol regon),” BGen Almase cited in a press statement.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th ID Commander MGen Adonis Bajao expressed his gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Uson, Masbate, barangay council members, and residents of Masbate for their unwavering support to the initiatives of the Philippine Army and their steadfast commitment to combat terrorism. (With reports from 9IDPAO, 903rd IB, 9ID, PA/ PIA 5-Camarines Sur)

Cover photo credits:  903rd Infantry “Patriot” Brigade, 9ID, PA