Arakan, North Cotabato- The 2nd Field Artillery (First Round Accuracy) Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army conducted its 5th Live Fire Exercise last 28 to 29 July 2022 at Brgy. Kabalantian, Arakan, Cotabato. The Live fire exercise involves Registration Firing of 105mm Howitzers and Proficiency Firing to test the accuracy of howitzers and develop the competency of the crew manning the howitzers.
The six (6) howitzers of Bravo Battery and two (2) howitzers of 1st Platoon of Charlie Battery were successfully registered, hitting their targets nine (9) kilometers away from the firebase utilizing High Explosive (HE) and Illumination rounds. Meanwhile, personnel from the 27th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, and 39th Infantry Battalion all under the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, participated as Forward Observers, providing Call for Fire and observing the impact of howitzer fires on the targets located at the hill of Kulaman Valley away from the community.
The pre-designated firebase and impact area was selected in coordination with the LGU of Arakan, North Cotabato, Kitaotao, Bukidnon and Federation of Matigsalog Manobo Tribal Councils (FEMMATRICS) while the populace were well informed prior to conduct of the activity.
“This Live Fire Exercise is a regular program of the Army Artillery Regiment to ensure the accuracy of the howitzers and develop the core competency and skills of every artillery personnel,” said LTC Menner C Gutierrez, 2FAB Commander. Likewise, he is thankful for the overwhelming support of the Local Government of Arakan, North Cotabato, and Kitaotao, Bukidnon which lead to the successful and meaningful conduct of the activity. He also extended his gratitude to all stakeholders that made the activity possible.
Col Febie N Lamerez INF (GSC) PA, the 10ID Asst. Division Commander for RRA expressed his confidence to the 2FAB troopers as he witnessed the performance of the troops on an actual live fire exercise. “Natutuwa ako dahil tumatama ang bawat putok ng 2FAB, ibig sabihin nito ay nahasa sila sa pagpapatutok ng kanilang mga kanyon”.
The Live Fire Exercise and Capability Demonstration was witnessed by Col Febie N Lamerez, ADC for RRA of 10ID; Col Alexei C Musñgi, 1002nd Brigade Commander; Lt Col Jose C Regonay Jr, 72nd IB Commander; Mayor Jeam Villasor of Arakan; Mayor Edwin Abucayan of Kitaotao; Hon. Lorenzo A Gawilan, Vice-Mayor of Kitaotao and Chairperson of FEMMATRICS; Datu Zaldy S Molina, Matigsalog Tribe (IPMR); Datu Romeo C Man-Oyao, Kulaman Matigsalog Tribe Board of Trustee of FEMMATRICS, Hon. Charlie S Secugal, Brgy Captain of Kabalantian, different stakeholders, and the civilian populace.
The successful conduct of the 5th LFE of 2FAB ensures that the unit will always be ready to provide fire support to the maneuver units of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division living up to the mantra "HATAMA" laging Handa, Tapat, Maaasahan.
(2FAB AAR)