Excelsior on Dual Mission
“Skill-patay!” This is the common notion of the people of Basilan upon hearing about Scout Rangers. For years, different units of the First Scout Ranger Regiment have proven their worth of being branded as the best fighters against armed rebels in southern Mindanao. Rangers have always lived up to their doctrine in war fighting. However, while strong and fearless, they never forget that they are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and of its overall campaign, the IPSP “Bayanihan”. Rangers have gone beyond their core competency as combatants in the field, into being a soldier of the people in the quest for a just and lasting peace.
STAY CALM, THINK RIGHT
11 April 2014 was merely another regular day in the year. For the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, it was more than just a date, but another experience and accomplishment to be remembered.
In coordination with the different units of JSOU1 (composed of 3rd LRC and 2 platoons of NAVSOU8), SSC Cl 19-13, 7SRC, 9SRC, 13SRC, 14SRC, and the 104th Bde OPCON and TACON units, an operation against the ASGs/ LLEs in the southeastern part of Basilan was planned and conducted. The whole firefight lasted for 14 hours, starting from the early dawn of April 11. The government side suffered several casualties, to include LTC REYEG, as he got wounded by indirect fires coming from the enemy. Despite incurring some casualties, the troops of the ME pressed-on with the fight, holding their ground and delivering deliberate counter-fires towards the enemy. During the ongoing firefight, LTC REYEG, even while wounded, still managed to command his troops to stay calm and focus on the firefight, acknowledging the flow of succeeding maneuvers of all the troops through the radio operator and his S3, 1LT ERCILLA. “He never wanted to be evacuated,” 1LT ERCILLA said. “Ayaw niyang iwan yung tropa, kahit wounded na,” he added.
Notwithstanding the wound on his right leg, LTC REYEG led a link-up with adjacent units to immediately plan for a counter-attack against the enemy, reinforce other engaged troops and evacuate the remaining casualties. The operation resulted to 9 killed and 10 wounded on the enemy side.
The strength exhibited by leaders in the field is a vital component on the performance of subordinates. Leading by example remains as a very effective leadership trait as manifested by our noble leaders and warriors existing in the field.
ON BEING STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS
While the 3SRB remains to be the maneuver battalion, several CMO activities were conducted in cooperation with the Local Government of Lamitan City, Basilan Province, since the unit transferred to its current Headquarters last July 2013. These were all accomplished in line with the 104th Infantry Brigade’s campaign plan on focused military operation combined with stakeholders’ engagement; the latter, something that is traditionally done only by territorial battalions, but for which, the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, have openly embraced and gradually adapted to, to give way for something better.
For the first two quarters of year 2014, there has been 1,969 combat and recon patrols conducted to provide security in the unit’s area of operation; 6 film showing activities to explain and how to contribute in the AFP’s IPSP “Bayanihan”; Brigada Eskwela activities; numerous transportation, medical, financial assistance and minor construction services, all for the promotion and dissemination of the AFP’s IPSP objectives. In relation with the civilian sector, the officers, led by our Battalion Commander, LTC Fernando M Reyeg, participated in several meetings, conferences and dialogues for peace and security in Basilan. To this end, inter-agency cooperation with PNP counterparts was enhanced as part of our support to law enforcement operations. We also became partners of the Local Government of Lamitan City and adjoining municipalities in encouraging support of the people to the government. This has been manifested through the efforts exerted by both units during feeding programs, “Rose Caravan” (project of the City Mayor, Rose U Furigay), the recently concluded 7th Founding Anniversary of Lamitan City and “Lami-Lamihan Festival,” which includes the inauguration of the Datu Kalun Park, unveiling of the Datu Kalun Monument, motocross activities, float parades and many others; all of which are encouraging manifestations of the rapid development happening in the area. In Tuburan, the unit has supported and provided security in the construction of farm-to-market roads (Mamboring to Calut) and ground-breaking of ARMM-HELPS projects. “The 3rd SRB has been a strong and reliable partner in the development of Lamitan City, talagang maaasahan”, City Mayor Rose U Furigay said in one of her speeches.
Indeed, the good rapport established among the local government units and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion proved that Rangers do not only contribute in the AFP’s mission through war fighting alone, but also through the engagements made in cooperation with the local leaders and friends who are all stakeholders of the AFP’s IPSP “Bayanihan.”
