New M113A2 Mortar has Displayed During Armor Division Founding Anniversary

19 September 2019

M113A2 tracked armored vehicle converted into Self Propelled Mortar vehicle armed with the Soltam Cardom 81mm mobile mortar system (all photos : Philippine Army)

Armor Division celebrates 43rd Founding Anniversary

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army’s Armor “PAMBATO” Division (AD) celebrated its 43rd Founding Anniversary at Camp O’Donell, Capas, Tarlac, today, Sept. 18. 2019 with the Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The Army redesignated the Mechanized Infantry Division as the Armor Division by virtue of General Orders Number 1133 dated 09 September 2019. With its new name, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Armor: Pambato ng Mamamayan Tungo as Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

During the event, an awarding ceremony for the outstanding soldiers and civilization stakeholders was held. The AD also launched an anniversary coffee table book and challenge coin.

AD also demonstrated its new capabilities and technologies such as the Armor Personnel Carrier with Remote Control Weapon Station from Israel, Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Mobile Mortar System. In addition, the Commando V-150 and the Simba Fighting Vehicle was part of the static display.

“I commend the upstanding members and awardees of the Armor Division for the noteworthy performance that has significantly contributed to the fulfillment of the division’s over-all mission and vision. I likewise acknowledge the great appreciation, the stakeholder-awardees for the tireless support you have given to our mounted warriors,” said Alberto.

The Commanding General, Philippine Army also praised the achievements of the division such as the activation of additional Armor combat units and the capability upgrade of its Armor vehicles.

Meanwhile, Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Dauz expressed his unit's gratitude for the redesignation. “Let us further strengthen our union for the attainment of shared aspirations for peace and security that will steer us to grander development for our country and people,” he added.

Another highlight of the event is the change of the unit’s moniker to “PAMBATO” which was first used in 1976 by the Philippine Army Light Armor Regiment. It stands for “Piling yunit ng Hukbong Katihan na panlaban sa larangan ng pakikidigma.” The moniker is also synonymous with the Filipino words "panlaban" or "pangmalakasan".

“For a credible Army, we need bravery, skills, but we also need a very capable Army that will defeat the current threat and deter future ones,” said Alberto.

(Philippine Army)