Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido led the activation of the first-ever Combat Engineer Regiment (CER) of the Philippine Army as well as the reorganization of the 191st Military Police Battalion (191MPBn), Installation Management Command in a ceremony at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on February 15, 2024.
The transition of the Lanao del Norte-based 55th Engineer Brigade to CER aligns with the Philippine Army’s shifting focus to territorial defense operations. It can be noted that the deactivated unit played a key role in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
The newly activated CER, which will be led by Brig. Gen. Ulpiano T. Olarte is tasked to provide support to other Army units in combat missions by providing necessary engineering support on the ground.
Meanwhile, rationalizing Military Police units will effectively address concerns about securing vital installations, facilities, assets, and personnel at Army camps nationwide. “The goal of establishing appropriate MP units will not only further enhance the enforcement of military laws and order among personnel but also improve custodial support, traffic management, and detainee handling, among others,” the CGPA remarked. Lt. Col. Jose Vergelio Pabon will head the reorganized MP Battalion.
“Along with your troops, I would like to emphasize the three tools that will enable us to succeed another year: prayer, patience, and perseverance," Lt. Gen. Galido remarked.
Photos by Cpl Rodgen V. Quirante, OACPA