The Philippine Army beefed up its muscle after it activated a new artillery battalion on Tuesday, Sept. 12, to address the overstretched and oversized field artillery units in Western Mindanao.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido presided over the activation of the 11th Field Artillery “Bullseye” Battalion (11FAB) at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Palayan, Nueva Ecija.
The 11FAB will be deployed in the provinces within the area of responsibility (AOR) of Western Mindanao, Galido said.
He also lauded the Army Artillery “King of Battle” Regiment (AAR) for its “remarkable initiatives” in making its battalions and battery units "reliable, responsive, relevant, and mission-oriented" components of the PA.
Meanwhile, the AAR inaugurated the new administration building of the Artillery Training School and mess hall of the Maintenance and Service (MECHANICUS) Battalion at Fort Magsaysay.
The newly-inaugurated facilities aim to "provide a conducive learning environment to AAR personnel to boost their morale and welfare," said Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Army spokesperson.
The ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony was attended by Galido, AAR commander Brig. Gen. Francis Anthony Coronel; Engr. Elpidio Y. Trinidad, district engineer of Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office, and other officials of AAR.
The AAR provides the overall artillery fire support to all of the Army's maneuver units.