CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 55th Engineer Brigade (55th EBde) will be converted to become a Combat Engineer Regiment soon, the commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) said.
During the celebration of the 55th EBde's 24th anniversary Thursday afternoon at its headquarters in the Lanao del Norte town of Baloi, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the plan for its conversion has been discussed for a while.
Brawner pointed out that the unit played a key role during the Marawi City siege.
"Even now, 55th Engineer Brigade is highly involved in the rehabilitation of Marawi City and other areas in its areas of responsibility," he said during the anniversary celebration at the headquarters in Baloi, Lanao del Norte.
Once a Combat Engineer Regiment, the troops in the unit can provide support to other Army units in combat missions by providing necessary infrastructure and equipment on the ground.
The 55th EBde's role in Marawi City's rehabilitation include clearing of debris and the demolition of damaged buildings in the city.
Military engineers also provided additional manpower to government agencies in the transportation of their assistance to the city and in the construction of temporary and permanent shelters.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Irineo Sebastian, 55th EBde commanding officer, said the anniversary celebration was a tribute to the men and women of the brigade who "painstakingly dedicated their services and contributed much to the unit's accomplishments throughout the year."
It was also a reminder for the troops to do better and remain "committed to their respective undertakings and responsibilities so that they can achieve a secure environment conducive to regional and national development in this part of Mindanao," Sebastian added. (PNA)
