PANTAO RAGAT, Lanao del Norte — 105mm Howitzers and tank-mounted mortars pounded targets up to six kilometers away as the Philippine Army tested its integrated defense capabilities here Saturday, Nov. 29.
The large-scale “Interoperability Live-Fire Exercise,” spearheaded by the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, aimed to simulate combat scenarios requiring synchronized movement between foot soldiers, armor units, artillery, and the Philippine National Police.
Brigadier General Ronel R. Manalo, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, emphasized that modern security threats require more than just individual unit strength.
“Jointness is essential,” Manalo said. “With evolving threats, synchronized operations among foot soldiers, armor, artillery, and even the National Police are increasingly essential.”
Heavy assets deployed
The two-day exercise, implemented by the 11th Field Artillery Battalion under the Army Artillery Regiment and 1st Infantry Division, utilized heavy assets including two Tank-Mounted Mortar Systems and two 105mm Howitzer cannons.
The drills included night-firing operations in Sitio Pualas, Barangay Bubong.
Prior to the live fire, troops underwent a rigorous three-week “Field Artillery Gunnery Team Training” to perfect cannon-laying procedures, gunnery computation, and physical fitness.
Safety protocols
Lieutenant Colonel Rogelio Baytec, Artillery Commander, said the safety of local communities was the primary condition for the exercise.
Baytec noted that the unit secured local government approval and held consultations with residents long before the firing began. To ensure the 5-to-6 kilometer target range was clear of civilians, the Army provided rice subsidies to local landowners, incentivizing them to keep their farmlands vacant during the dangerous maneuvers.
Armor units began moving into position as early as Monday to prepare for the operation. Military officials said more interoperability activities are expected in the coming months to maintain high readiness levels.
