THE 66TH Infantry Battalion and the Headquarters Service Company (HSC) emerged as the top tactical units in their respective categories as the 10th Infantry Division formally concluded the 10th Agila Patrol (Platoon) Challenge CY 2026 during an awarding ceremony at the division grandstand here on August 1.
The 66th Infantry Battalion captured the championship in the Male Category, while the Headquarters Service Company, Headquarters 10ID, clinched first place in the Female Category following rigorous, multi-day tactical evaluations.
Designed to test small-unit combat effectiveness, the annual warfighting competition evaluated participating infantry platoons on doctrine-based combat scenarios, tactical proficiency, leadership, endurance, and operational readiness.
To prepare troops for evolving operational challenges—including External Security Operations aligned with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept—platoons underwent a series of high-intensity assessments.
The evaluation covered various military disciplines, including:
- Tactical Execution & Urban Operations: Close Quarter Battle (CQB), Raid, Patrol Base Operation, Reconnaissance, and Prisoner of War (POW) Handling.
- Marksmanship & Technical Skills: Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship, Signal Communication, Call for Fire Procedure, and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Identification.
- Field Maneuver & Survival: River Crossing, Rappelling, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3), Equipment Checks, Military Briefings, and timed events.
Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo, who served as speaker, commended the participating troopers and recognized the 10th Infantry Division’s vital role in maintaining security and sustaining Davao de Oro’s status as an insurgency-free province.
In his message, 10ID commander MGEN Alvin Luzon echoed the directive of AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete, emphasizing that the true strength of the military relies on its personnel.
“In the Agila Division, we do not train simply to complete a requirement. We train because one day, what we practice today may save the life of a fellow soldier,” Luzon said. “Our ultimate goal is not merely to compete against one another, but to collectively strengthen the warfighting capability of the Agila Division and the Philippine Army.”
The closing ceremony was attended by division brigade representatives, battalion commanders, post unit heads, evaluators, and participating troops.
