(Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto underscores need to further strengthen Army capabilities. Photo courtesy of PIA 3)
CAMP O’DONNELL, Tarlac – A striker brigade and an aviation regiment to further strengthen its capabilities will soon be activated by the Philippine Army (PA).
The PA also announced the procurement of additional mounted mortar system with upgraded capabilities.
During the 43rd founding anniversary celebration of Armor (Pambato) Division, commanding general Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto emphasized the need for a striker brigade not only for internal security operations but also for foreign defense.
Aside from the striker brigade, the creation of an aviation regiment as an advancement to the existing aviation battalion was also announced.
“Right now, we are dependent on other service branches so I believe it’s time for the Army to have its own aviation capability with helicopters and other aircraft,” Alberto said.
“After the activation of brigade combat team (BCT), the next focus of the Philippine Army is to create another BCT but this time, we are making it a striker brigade composed of armored and wheeled vehicles similar to what the United States has,” Alberto explained.
Alberto said these would contribute in maintaining a credible ground deterrent force against fast evolving threats in the contemporary environment.
“For a credible Army, we need bravery and skills but we also need a very capable Army that will defeat current threat and deter future ones,” he said.
