NEW VEHICLES. The Army's 11th Infantry Division acquires new vehicles to enhance the mobility of its operating units against the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Sulu. Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11ID commander (right) joined the blessing rites of the newly-acquired vehicles Monday (June 6, 2022) at Camp. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista, home of the 11ID in Jolo, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 11ID)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 459 new soldiers, including 48 Tausugs, are set to join the government’s fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, said the new soldiers recently completed a six-month basic soldiery and war fighting training conducted by the 11th Division Training School (11DTS) at Camp Bud Datu in Indanan, Sulu.
“Your training prepared you as professional soldiers ready to perform various tasks both in peacetime and war under extreme conditions,” Patrimonio was quoted by the JTF-Sulu in a statement Thursday.
Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, 11DTS commandant, said the new soldiers are composed of 418 male and 41 female troopers.
Of the total number, 48 are natives of Sulu.
The new soldiers will immediately undergo the Infantry Orientation Course to better prepare them for their future tasks in the infantry units of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID).
“For the next few days, you will be deployed in your respective units and be part of our peace and security campaign,” said Patrimonio, who is also the 11ID commander.
President Rodrigo Duterte led the activation of the 11ID during his visit to Camp Bautista in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu, in December 2018.
The 11ID is dedicated to fighting the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-affiliated terrorist groups in Sulu.
Meanwhile, the 11ID has also acquired new vehicles that include medium carrier trucks to enhance the mobility of its operating units against the ASG bandits in Sulu
“The new fleet of vehicles will increase our operational readiness and boost our moving capability,” Patrimonio said. (PNA)
