THE big guns shipped by the Philippine Army to Mindanao have already reached Maguindanao with the purpose of providing firepower support to the military’s counterterrorism operations there by quelling whatever challenge lawless groups may pose to government.
The ATMOS 155mm self-propelled guns were put under operational control of the Joint Task Force Central to support counterterrorism operations, according to 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Roy Galido. “An advantage of ATMOS is that it offers high accuracy and ‘shoot and scoot’ operation, yet can operate on the existing road network and bridges found in the country. They can deploy even in rugged terrain, while being able to respond to mission demands more quickly than towed howitzers,” he added.
A few weeks ago, the Army Artillery Regiment held its registration firing and live-fire drills in Negros Occidental for its 3rd Field “Hell Every Shell” Battalion, with the series of drills aimed at sharpening the skills of its gunners.