ILIGAN City — Four Sabrah ASCOD II light tanks arrived in Iligan City on Monday morning, October 19, marking their first deployment outside Luzon and Visayas and strengthening the Philippine Army’s defense capabilities in Mindanao.
The tanks arrived at 8 a.m. at the Philippine Ports Authority aboard Philippine Navy vessel BRP Bacolod City (LS550), which sailed from Cavite City on a three-day voyage.
“We completed our mission as requested by the Armor ‘Pambato’ Division,” said Commander Ramil Gregorio Demoni, commanding officer of BRP Bacolod City.
Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban, commander of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, said the four tanks are part of a batch of 12 previously delivered to the Armor “Pambato” Division in Capas, Tarlac, under Maj. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo.
The deployment to Mindanao is intended to strengthen the military’s ability to respond to external threats while supporting internal security operations, Taqueban said.
He described the tanks, dubbed the “Armor of Peace,” as a major shift in the Philippine Army’s defense posture as the country continues to modernize its military capabilities.
The tracked combat vehicles are equipped with an automated turret, a 105-millimeter main gun, advanced armor protection and digital battle-management systems. These features are designed to provide mobile fire support, improve coordination with other military units and help defend critical areas.
Taqueban said the tanks could support operations in coastal approaches and other strategic defense sectors, complementing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts.
The deployment forms part of the military’s effort to improve operational readiness and strengthen the country’s territorial defense while maintaining peace and security, he added.
The four tanks are now stationed at the headquarters of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade at Camp Sultan Barodin in Maria Cristina, Iligan City.
