FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army 3rd Mechanized Infantry “Makatarungan” Battalion celebrated its 15th Activation Anniversary today, March 11, 2020, at Sitio Pugo, Barangay Burgos, San Jose, Tarlac with the theme “Ika-15 na Taon Anibersaryo ng Bayanihan para sa Ganap na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”
The 3rd Mech Bn was activated on 2005 by then Lt. Col. Leodegario D. Dela Paz as the first Commanding Officer, followed by Philippine Army Commanding General Gilbert I. Gapay, who was then a lieutenant colonel on 2007. It was created due to the realization of the viability of deploying mechanized unit that will perform internal security operations and confront various threat groups within the given area of operations in Central Luzon.
Gapay, the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, thanked the 3rd Mech Bn’s efforts towards organizational excellence. “Your development support and security operations greatly reduced the armed capability and influence of CPP-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) in your area of operations,” he said.
He also noted the battalion’s critical support to 7th Infantry Division and humanitarian assistance in the recent Taal Volcano eruption. “Your unit is an effective example of good stakeholder engagement,” Gapay said addressing Lt. Col. Norberto P. Aromin Jr., 3rd Mech Bn’s Commanding Officer.
Gapay also assured the battalion that they are well supported and that they will be provided the necessary equipment to excel in accomplishing the president’s mandate to decisively defeat the CNTs and end communist insurgency by 2021.
“Labing isang taon na ang nakalipas simula nang lisanin ko ang yunit na ito bilang inyong kumander, kapansin-pansing malaki na ang ipinagbago ng 3rd Mech, lalong napabuti ang inyong pagbibigay ng serbisyo,” Gapay said reminiscing about his time with the battalion. “Panindigan ninyo ang inyong pusong mabangis – pero makatarungan,” he added. #