By Priam Nepomuceno/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday formally sent-off its 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) for Sulu at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.
The estimated 1,500 officers and enlisted personnel will be transported by the Navy’s strategic sealift BRP Tarlac (LD-601), Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.
Upon arrival in Sulu, the 1BCT will be deployed under the Western Mindanao Command.
“The 1BCT’s deployment intends to help address the threat of local terrorist groups in the island, as well as to fulfill the force requirements of the newly activated 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ Division,” Zagala said.
The 1BCT is the Army’s contingency force that is capable of addressing conventional, unconventional, and asymmetric threats.
It is composed of an intelligence unit, combat engineer company, aviation and explosive ordnance disposal platoon, and an air defense artillery battery, among others.
Since its creation in December 2018, the 1BCT has participated in various exercises, such as the recent “Salaknib” and “Balikatan” exercises with the United States Pacific Command.
“The men and women of the 1BCT will be deployed (to) Sulu to ensure peace and security, which is not only felt in the island but also of the entire country as well. They are men and women of action and we commend them for going about their mission without much fanfare, an attitude they carry even beyond their service in the military,” Zagala said.
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