WELCOME 5IB. The Army's 5th Infantry Battalion takes over Thursday (June 11, 2020) the military operations in Butig, Lanao del Sur from the 49IB, which returns to its mother unit, the 9th Infantry Division, in the Bicol region. The 5IB troops completed their retraining on June 9, 2020 for combat-readiness. (Photo courtesy of 1st ID Public Affairs Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY--The 5th Infantry Battalion (5IB) of the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) has taken over the military operations in Butig, Lanao del Sur, officials said Friday.
This came as 5IB troops, headed by Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, completed their retraining Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., 1st Infantry Division assistant commander, said the battalion replaced Thursday the 49IB, which is returning to its mother unit, the 9ID, in the Bicol Region.
Gaerlan underscored the importance of training and how it saves soldiers' lives if seriously internalized.
“In our pursuit and sustainment of peace and progress in Lanao del Sur, particularly in the town of Butig, let integrity, loyalty, and professionalism be your strong foundation,” Gaerlan told the 5IB troops.
“Continue to be soldiers of peace and security by standing firm in guarding the welfare of the people, tapping the support and collective effort of our stakeholders, carrying on in reaching communities and relaying to them our government's efforts,” he added.
He told the troops to be a disciplined and responsible soldier who is always cautious in actions “so that we may continue to sustain the progress that we have achieved in the pursuit of our mission”.
For 16 years, the 5IB before was in charge of administering the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under the 1ID jurisdiction. The battalion was then unfilled with troops that was brought back last year to become a combat maneuver unit.
Meanwhile, Gaerlan said the 11th Division Sniper Company also completed its training Tuesday and is now combat-ready to support operating troops under the 1ID's area of operation. (PNA)
