Philippine Army activates new mechanized infantry battalion

Mechanized Infantry units of the Philippine Army with their M113A2 tracked armored vehicles during live-fire exercise phase of Balikatan 2018 in Crow Valley gunnery range.

In anticipation of receiving new assets and in support of newly-formed major units, the Philippine Army has activated a new mechanized infantry battalion under the control of the Philippine Army's sole Mechanized Infantry Division.

The unit, known as the 6th Mechanized Infantry "Salaknib" Battalion which was formally activated last 18 January 2019, will be assigned as the mechanized component of the newly formed 1st Brigade Combat Team (1st BCT) of the Philippine Army, which was patterned to the US Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Team combat arms maneuver unit. The word "Salaknib" means "shield" in the Philippines' Ilocano dialect.

The Philippine Army is expected to receive additional mechanized assets as part of its modernization program. These includes additional tracked and wheeled armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, mortar carriers and light tanks.



[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] Manila Bulletin
[3] MaxDefense Philippines