Army deploys artillery unit to Northern Samar

The Philippine Army (PA) deployed a light deployable battery (LDB) to the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division to Samar as reinforcements to anti-insurgency operations in the province.

A battery is another term for an artillery unit of around six 105mm artillery pieces and their supporting equipment.

The “Stormtroopers” Division welcomed the battery in an arrival ceremony at the Headquarters 803rd Infantry Brigade, Camp Sumuroy in Catarman, Northern Samar on Sunday.

“The deployment also enhances the operational flexibility of the Joint Task Force Storm as it sustains pressure against the remaining CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) remnants across the region, ” the Army said in a statement on Thursday,

“It demonstrates the Army's resolve to decisively end the local communist armed conflict in the region,” the agency added.

The PA called the deployment a significant enhancement in the division’s capabilities.

The LDB includes an Italian Pack Howitzer, which is a lightweight and mobile artillery system that could provide fast and accurate indirect fire support in rough mountain terrain, the PA said.

The Italian Pack Howitzer is also easier to disassemble and transport compared to the conventional 105mm Howitzer.

The 8th Infantry Division assured the public that the LDB will be used to strengthen military operations against armed threat groups while adhering to International Humanitarian Law. —Jean Mangaluz/RF, GMA News