FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army sends-off its 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) to Jolo, Sulu on Friday, May 31, 2019, at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.
The Philippine Navy's strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac will transport the 1BCT from Manila to Sulu, where they will be deployed under the Western Mindanao Command's area of responsibility. 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.
The 1BCT is the Army’s contingency force that is capable to address conventional, unconventional, and asymmetric threats. Its units include an Intelligence Unit, Combat Engineer Company, Aviation, EOD Platoon, 1st Air Defense Artillery Battery, among others.
Since its creation in December 2018, the brigade has participated in the recently concluded SALAKNIB and BALIKATAN exercises with the United States Pacific Command.
"The men and women of the 1BCT will be deployed in 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," said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Army spokesperson.
“For years, our peacekeeping efforts have hindered these groups from spreading more destruction beyond that area. But we should remain determined in sustaining our internal operations and safeguarding the security of our territories. Let us preserve our hard-earned gains for the peace and development in the Mindanao Region,” said Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat, Army Chief of Staff.#
