FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Philippine Army here has activated its 1st Brigade Combat Team that is focused on “countering terrorism and insurgency.”
“It will be the service branch’s rapid deployable unit with the right force-mix to any area of strategic significance,” the unified Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said in a statement.
“As a contingency force, it will provide operational flexibility and will be the decisive force in times of crisis or armed conflict situation,” Army commander Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto said.
The team, with headquarters based here, is composed of two infantry and one mechanized battalions as maneuver elements, engineer combat and fi eld artillery battalions, signal and intel as maneuver support, and medical and service support as sustainment units.
It will temporarily be attached to the 7th Infantry Division and further be placed under tactical control of Training and Doctrine Command for consolidation and organizational training, Nolcom said.
“The activation of 1st Brigade Combat Team will definitely improve the capability of the Philippine Army to respond to any forms of situation because of its distinct characteristics as independent, rapid deployment and combined arms force,” Alberto also said.
He added that the brigade “will continuously embark and develop concepts and strategies to remain relevant and responsive to evolving operational challenges.”
