Army strike force targets Ilocos, Mt Prov NPA lairs

By Mar T. Supnad

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – A military strike force is set to be deployed in North Luzon against communist New People’s Army rebels.

Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr., Commander of the 7th infantry division, of the Philippine Army baredd this to this writer saying NPA rebels operate mostly along forested areas and boundaries of Ilocos Sur and Mt. Province

"Sa kabundokan ng Ilocos Sur at Mt Province na lang nag ooperate mga NPA rebels sa Norte," Santos said whose areas of jurisdiction include Ilocos Sur, Norte and Region 3 provinces.

The army general urged rebels to yield and lay down their arms before  peace talks with the government pushes through.

The army had activated its highly-trained 1^st 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.

“As a contingency force, it will provide operational flexibility and will be the decisive force in times of crisis or armed conflict situation,” Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto said.

The team, with headquarters based in Fort Magsaysay, is composed of two infantry and one mechanized battalions as maneuver elements, engineer combat and field artillery battalions, signal and intelligence as maneuver support, and medical and service support as sustainment units.

It will temporarily be attached to the 7thInfantry Division and later  placed under tactical control of Training and Doctrine Command for consolidation and organizational training.

“The activation of 1^st 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 said.  

He added that they will develop concepts and strategies to remain relevant and responsive to evolving operational challenges.