By Priam Nepomuceno – PNA News
MANILA — Newly-appointed Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, paid a visit to troops stationed in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, the largest military camp in the country, Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, Army spokesperson, said Fort Magsaysay also serves as cantonment of several major units such as 7th Infantry Division, Army Artillery Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Light Reaction Regiment and the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
The camp further, serves as the Army’s Combat Readiness Training Area (CRTA) and often utilized for various exercises along with allied armed forces, he added.
The first unit Alberto visited was the 7th Infantry Division, wherein he was given military honor upon his arrival by its commander, Major Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr.
Subsequently, he visited the Headquarters of the Special Forces, where he took time to personally thank the troops for their devotion to duty, as well as the Light Reaction Regiment camp, where he offered wreath to its fallen heroes and visited its gallery.
On the other hand, the Army Artillery Regiment invited the PA chief for the closing ceremony of the reorganizational training of the 9th Field Artillery Battalion, in which, he was given the opportunity to fire a 105-millimeter howitzer.
One of the highlights of the activity was Alberto’s visit to the wounded soldiers at Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital and his meeting with the two rebel surenderees given medical aid by the 7th Infantry Division.
The pair, in separate occasions was neutralized through sustained focused military operations. Subsequently, they opted to yield as they realized the futility of their struggle.
During his visit, Alberto took time to talk with the troops to convey his policies and guidance, as well as personally hear their concerns. He mentioned that the core intent of his visit is to ensure that all ground operating units and specialized troops are in good condition and receiving the appropriate support they needed.
Alberto also emphasized that with the changing operational environment, there is a need to increase the Army’s operational readiness and strengthen its capability to meet the various security challenges.
“The Philippine Army remains and shall always be at the forefront in tackling various security concerns of the country. Hence, it is imperative that every soldier should understand and cognizant of their significant role in pursuit of mission accomplishment and its goal of achieving a world-class Army,” the Army chief said
