53rd IB recognizes Air Force’s game-changing efforts in winning, sustaining peace
The Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) continues to recognize the game-changing efforts and capabilities of Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group 9 (TOG9) in winning and sustaining peace against Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in 53rd IB’s area of operations (AO).
During his visit at 53rd Headquarters in Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on November 26, 2020, TOG9 Commander Lt. Col. Joshua Leones was apprised of 53IB’s AO, efforts against the Communist-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) including updates on NPA terrorist personalities, and TOG9’s conduct of Air Support Operations.
TOG9 has recently supported 53IB with six (6) Air Resupplies, four (4) Close Air Support, five (5) Leaflets Dropping, seven (7) Aerial Recon, six (6) Troops Insertion and Exfiltration, and seven (7) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
TOG9 also supported 53IB in the Battalion’s response to COVID-19 pandemic by providing air assets for leaflet dropping in hinterland areas in the delivery of critical and right information to far-flung barangays.
According to Lt. Col. Leones, TOG9 will continue to support 53rd IB in its conduct of Army Operations in order to finally achieve sustainable peace in its AO.
53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera also thanked the TOG9 Commander for their unwavering support to 53rd IB, saying that their game-changing efforts contribute greatly to peace sustainment efforts by the government.
Aside from COVID-19 leaflets, TOG9’s air assets were also utilized for 53IB’s information leaflets about the Government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) intended to encourage NPA terrorists in the hinterlands to surrender and avail of government’s initiatives and programs.After the briefing,
Lt. Col. Leones was invited to a tree-planting activity at the Matapat Firing Range.Lt. Col. Leones and Lt. Col. Herrera are both proud members of Philippine Military Academy “Masikhay” Class of 1999.