FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – From “successful” anti-insurgency campaigns, several units of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division were being readied for territorial defense duties, a top-ranking official said on Tuesday.
Major Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 7ID, said during the celebration of the division’s 35th anniversary, that nine reserved and regular forces were being strengthened for a transition from anti-insurgency to defending territory.
Costelo underscored the significant role of the reserve force as “the solid pillar of the country’s territorial defense.”
The reserved force has reportedly conducted the Reserved Personnel Leadership Enhancement Program (RPLEP) with the nine ready and reserved battalions in 7ID’s area of responsibility in collaboration with the maneuver center, training and doctrine command through the Office of the Assistant Division for Reservist and Retiree Affairs led by Col. Harold Anthony Pascua.
The preparation includes interoperability training, Costelo said.
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who served as the guest of honor and speaker, led the ceremonial handover of a complete set of uniforms to the reservists in 7ID.
Kaugnay Division has facilitated the surrender of 385 rebels as it intensified its internal security operations in sustaining and protecting the gains to prevent the resurgence of insurgency in its area of responsibility resulting to the weakening or dissolution of all guerrilla fronts, he said.
Brawner lauded the accomplishments of the command and said that the 7ID has been the face of the Philippine Army to its allies and partners as it is in Fort Magsaysay under the leadership of 7ID, where they conduct bilateral and trilateral exercises.
“As General Costelo was showing me around, I was impressed and happy because the 7ID serves as the showcase of the Philippine Army, halos po lahat na ka-exercise natin, ka-ally they come to Fort Magsaysay, and they get the impression about our country and the Army from what they see in 7th Infantry Division,” Brawner said.
During the anniversary rites, the 7ID also recognized its partner stakeholders, reserved officers, battalions, officers, and enlisted personnel, for their exemplary performance that contributed to the overall accomplishments of the 7ID.
