9ID joins Army’s 125th anniversary

By Ana-liza Macatangay

Anchored on the theme “Philippine Army @125: Kapayapaan Para sa Lahat,” the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) in Bicol has joined the entire nation in the quasquicentennial celebration of the army’s continued service to the Bicolanos and to the Filipino people.

In an online ceremony held recently, Philippine Army Commanding General LtGen. Romeo Brawner Jr, acknowledged the soldiers’ sacrifices and their victories in line with the attainment of their mission and vision.

He also thanked all the stakeholders for helping them transform the organization into what it is now.

As a token of appreciation to the troops in the frontline, Brawner turned over motorcycle units, pick-up vehicles, uniforms and food packs to the 9th Infantry Division received by MGen Alex DC Luna.

“We have 11 divisions in the Philippine Army and so all of those we have given to you here were also given to the other 10 units,” Luna said.

Eighty-one motorcycles with tools and accessories; six Toyota Hilux; complete sets of uniform which consist of t-shirts, shorts, socks and shoes; and dog tags were also turned over to the division. These, according to Luna, will be distributed to the soldiers in the different battalions and units of the Philippine Army situated in various parts of the Bicol region.

SYMBOLIC KEY MGEN Alex DC Luna, Commander of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division (2nd from right) hands over the symbolic key of 81 motorcycle units that will be distributed to the different units of the Division during the 125th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary held on March 14, 2022 at Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur. (JRM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

“The combat shoes are specially made with high-quality materials and would help a lot in the combat operations of our soldiers,” Luna added.

Luna underscored the importance of dog tags especially for soldiers who are killed in action and cannot be identified as they have no IDs or proof of identifications.

"The army dog tags serve as the soldier’s Identification card (ID). It is sturdy, can withstand harsh weather conditions and won’t easily be broken off," he added.

Luna also thanked the media for their continued support to all the programs of the Philippine Army. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)