Philippine Army Tests Combat Readiness in 7-Day Davao de Oro Drill

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Platoons of soldiers from different battalions of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division are participating in a seven-day combat proficiency and preparedness competition at Camp Gen. Manuel Yan in Mawab, Davao de Oro, which started on Sunday, July 26. Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division told reporters on Monday that the activity, to last for seven days, is meant to test the combat efficiency, through scenario response exercises, of platoons from each of the more than 10 battalions under 10th ID. Luzon said the competition is also part of a study on possible innovations needed to boost the warfare preparedness of their troops belonging to different battalions securing cities and provinces in Region 11 and in parts of Region 10 and Region 13. The male category of the seven-day competition involves men from different platoons of the battalions under 10th ID and members of the 11th Regional Community Defense Group. Women from the 10th ID’s three different brigades are also involved in the activity, according to Mr. Luzon. Luzon said the seven-day competition shall provide the officials of the 10th ID a clear picture of how prepared their troops are in carrying out security maneuvers when needed.