53IB, 1SRB Strengthen Collaborations, Warfighting Competency
The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) and 1st Scout Ranger Battalion strengthened units collaborations on the fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur during the 1SRB’s official visit to 53IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on February 21, 2021.
The 1SRB is a Philippine Army unit specializing in anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, close-quarters combat, urban warfare, and sabotage.
The 53IB Operations Officer, 1Lt Oliver Carmen presented a short briefing about the current security updates, challenges, and the Area of Operations (AO) to the Commander and other officers of the Scout Ranger Battalion.
The 53IB with the leadership of Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera utilizes soft power and hard power approaches in defeating the Communist Terrorist Group while maintaining the peace and order in its Area of Operations in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.
“We have to understand that there are forms in addressing armed-conflicts and we wish that there are more rebels who will return to the folds of law in the coming days. We are strongly encouraging those in the hinterlands to avail the programs of E-CLIP provided to them by our government and to fight no more against your Army,” Lt Col Herrera said.
The 1st Scout Ranger Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Raymond M. Rapi said: “Considering the tasking of the Scout Rangers, we are still overwhelmed with the achievements of the 53IB with Lt Col Herrera. Knowing your Battalion Commander, even before, he does as he says, and he makes things happen,” Lt. Col. Rapi said.
Present during the collaborations were the officers of the 1SRB including Cpt. Jem Kee Gemaol, Cpt. Arnel Valdez, Cpt. Floren Herrera, and the Battalion Staff Chief, NCOs, and Scout Rangers of the 53IB.
