The Philippine Army (PA) has activated its “first-ever” Combat Engineer Brigade (CER) in ceremonies held Friday at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido led the event that also saw the reorganization of the 191st Military Police Battalion, Installation Management Command.
The transition of the Lanao del Norte-based 55th Engineer Brigade to the CER aligns with the PA’s shifting tactical strategy to territorial defense operations.
The newly activated CER, to be led by Brig. Gen. Ulpiano Olarte, is tasked to assist other Army units in combat missions by needing engineering support on the ground.
Meanwhile, rationalizing the Military Police (MP) 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,” Galido stressed.
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,” Galido said.