MATAPAT@36: Remember with Gratitude, Renew with Passion

With strong partnerships with the local government units, government agencies, and concerned organizations, the year 2020 has brought tremendous gains for the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) with regard to peace and security situations in the unit’s area of operations.

Our intensive military and civil-military operations against the communist terrorists have brought the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to the brink of collapse in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur has been providing various infrastructure and social development programs in the hinterlands to reach far-flung communities in remote areas previously infested by the CPP-NPA.

Since 1985, the 53IB carries a rich and glorious history of fulfilling its sworn duty of serving the people and securing the communities. As we celebrate the unit’s 36th Year Anniversary in 2021, we take a look back with gratitude in our hearts and renew our passion and commitment with sincerity and loyalty to serve the people and secure the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar A. Herrera
Commanding Officer
53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion
Philippine Army