Army boosts readiness with new Davao del Sur facilities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a bid to bolster its operational readiness and territorial defense capabilities, the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) has opened its newly constructed command facilities in the erstwhile conflict-torn town of Matanao in Davao del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, and Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy Cagas led the inauguration of the battalion’s new administration building and covered court in Barangay Asbang on Sunday, October 25.

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In a statement, Maj. Ruben Gadut said Cagas paid tribute to the sacrifices of the state forces in keeping the peace and spurring local development.

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“The soldiers of the 39IB are our friends and brothers. Many of their officers and personnel have sacrificed their lives to protect Barangay Asbang and the municipality of Matanao,” Gadut quoted Cagas as saying.

The new administration building will serve as the battalion’s nerve center for command, control, and mission planning, while the covered court is slated to host training, physical fitness programs, and community engagements, Gadut said.

The military added that the camp will also function as a primary mobilization hub for disaster response across the province.

Luzon challenged the troops to maximize and maintain the new assets, describing the infrastructure upgrade as a vital step in their pivot toward external defense.

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“A strong camp must produce a stronger unit. A stronger unit must deliver better service. And better service must result in greater security and lasting peace for our people,” Luzon told the troops.

The turnover ceremonies also featured a mustering of the 1101st Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and a tree-planting activity, reflecting the military’s ongoing integration of its reserve force for evolving territorial defense requirements. /jpv