2nd Mechanized Infantry "Makasag" Battalion

03/06/2026

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬 | 21st 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆

The 21st Mechanized Infantry (Penetrator) Company successfully conducted its Change of Command Ceremony at the Headquarters, 21st Mechanized Infantry (Penetrator) Company, Brgy Poblacion, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat on June 01, 2026.

The ceremony was presided over by LTC Raul P Escat ARM (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Makasag” Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army, and marked a significant milestone in the continuing tradition of leadership and service within the unit.

During the ceremony, 1LT P*e Jay B Macapagal (ARM) PA formally relinquished his duties and responsibilities as Commanding Officer of the 21st Mechanized Infantry Company to 1LT Marvin P Voluntad (ARM) PA, who assumed the role as Acting Commanding Officer.

1LT Macapagal, who assumed command on July 01, 2025, was recognized for his dedicated leadership and meaningful contributions to the unit’s operational accomplishments and organizational development. Under his stewardship, the company strengthened troop morale, enhanced operational readiness, and actively promoted environmental advocacy initiatives within its area of responsibility. One of the notable achievements during his tenure was the construction and inauguration of Kabuling Detachment and the turnover of loose fi****ms in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur through sustained stakeholder engagements and close collaboration with the community.

Meanwhile, 1LT Voluntad brings with him valuable experience and professional competence as he takes on his new responsibility. Prior to his designation, he served as the Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company and recently completed the Armor Advance Officer Course, further equipping him with the leadership and operational skills necessary to effectively lead the company

In his message, LTC ESCAT commended 1LT MACAPAGAL for his dedicated leadership and valuable contributions to the company's accomplishments. He likewise expressed his confidence in 1LT VOLUNTAD’s capability to lead the troops with integrity, competence, and dedication in pursuing the mission of the battalion and the Philippine Army.

The Battalion Commander likewise expressed his sincere appreciation to the local chief executives and stakeholders for their unwavering support and partnership. He emphasized that strong civil-military cooperation remains a vital pillar in sustaining peace, security, and development within the battalion's area of operations, fostering a safer and more progressive environment for the communities it serves.

The 21st Mechanized Infantry (Penetrator) Company remains steadfast in upholding peace, security, and development efforts in support of the battalion’s mandate and the Philippine Army’s mission.

31/05/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗚 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆𝘀

Personnel of the 23rd Mechanized Infantry (Explorer) Company, under the leadership of 1Lt Roy Manuel A Pelijo (ARM) PA, led by 2Lt Victoriano S Ainza, Platoon Leader of the 23rd Mechanized Company, in coordination with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and Lambayong Municipal Police Station (MPS), conducted the distribution of relief goods to residents affected by flooding on 29 May 2026.

The humanitarian assistance activity was carried out in Barangays Pinguiaman, Caridad, Tuminigues, and Zeneben, all of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, to provide immediate support and essential supplies to affected families. Estimated of One Thousand Nine HundredTen (1,910) beneficiaries received the relief goods.

Participating in the activity were Engr. Sherwin Guzman, LDRRMO OIC; Jan Haris Mateo, LDRRMO Deputy; Ms Catherine Peralta, MSWDO OIC; and PCMS Belly Ray Librado, MCAD PNCO of Lambayong MPS, together with LDRRMO and MSWDO staff members.

The activity highlights the Philippine Army's continued commitment to delivering timely humanitarian assistance and disaster response to communities affected by natural calamities.

30/05/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 23rd Mechanized Infantry Company Holds Change of Command Ceremony

The 23rd Mechanized Infantry Company successfully conducted its Change of Command Ceremony on May 28, 2026, at the unit headquarters in Brgy New Cebu, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

The ceremony was presided over by LTC Raul P Escat ARM (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Makasag” Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army, and marked a significant milestone in the continuing tradition of leadership and service within the unit.

During the ceremony, CPT Mark Jerusalem R Deveza (ARM) PA formally relinquished his duties and responsibilities as Commanding Officer of the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Company to 1LT Roy Manuel A Pelijo (ARM) PA, who assumed the role as Acting Commanding Officer.

CPT Deveza, who assumed command on July 01, 2025, was recognized for his dedicated leadership and meaningful contributions to the unit’s operational accomplishments and organizational development. Under his stewardship, the company strengthened troop morale, enhanced operational readiness, and actively promoted environmental advocacy initiatives within its area of responsibility. One of the notable achievements during his tenure was the successful facilitation of the turnover of loose fi****ms in 3 occasions through sustained stakeholder engagements and close collaboration with the community.

Meanwhile, 1LT Pelijo brings with him valuable experience and professional competence as he takes on his new responsibility. Prior to his designation, he served as the Acting Intelligence Officer of the battalion and recently completed the Armor Advance Officer Course, further equipping him with the leadership and operational skills necessary to effectively lead the company.

In his message, LTC Escat commended CPT Deveza for his exemplary service and unwavering dedication to duty. He likewise expressed his confidence in 1LT Pelijo’s ability to lead the troops with integrity, competence, and commitment in pursuing the mission of the battalion and the Philippine Army.

The transition of leadership signifies the continuity of command, operational excellence, and the unwavering commitment of the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Company in sustaining peace, security, and development efforts in support of the battalion’s mandate and the Philippine Army’s mission.

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗚 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻-𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀

𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗚, Sultan Kudarat — The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the government’s campaign against illegal and loose fi****ms through its participation in the “Turn-Over of Loose Firearms” Ceremony held at the Municipal Hall of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on May 20, 2026.

The activity was spearheaded by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lambayong in partnership with various government agencies and security sectors as part of the continuing effort to strengthen peace, public order, and community safety within the municipality.
Present during the ceremony were BGEN OMAR V OROZCO PA, Commander of the 1st Mechanized (MAAASAHAN) Brigade; LTC RAUL P ESCAT ARM (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion; and PCOL BERNARD L LAO, Provincial Director of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office.

The Local Government Unit led the activity under the leadership of Hon. Francis Eric Recinto, Municipal Mayor of Lambayong; Hon. Norhato Sanday, Vice Mayor of Lambayong; Hon. Mastura G. Baumul, Barangay Chairman of Pimbalayan; and Hon. Sedik G. Baumul, Barangay Chairman of Baumul, together with local officials, religious leaders, and community stakeholders.

In their respective messages, the leaders emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility among government agencies, security forces, and the community in sustaining peace and order. They also encouraged the continued support of the public in programs aimed at reducing the proliferation of loose fi****ms and preventing violence and criminality.

As part of the ceremony, assorted high-powered fi****ms and ammunition were formally turned over to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade through the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion. Among the surrendered fi****ms were two (2) M1 Garand Rifles caliber .30, one (1) caliber .30 rifle with magazine, one (1) fabricated Rocket Propelled Gr***de (RPG) Launcher with one (1) Cartridge (HEAP) projectile, one (1) fabricated Barrett Rifle caliber .50, one (1) Ultimax 100 Light Machine Gun (LMG), three (3) Rifles M14, and one (1) Rifle M16A1.

The successful turnover reflects the growing trust, cooperation, and confidence of the community in government and security sector initiatives. It also significantly contributes to the prevention of violence, criminality, and the proliferation of loose fi****ms within the province.

In his message, LTC ESCAT emphasized that the successful conduct of the activity was made possible through the strong collaboration and mutual trust among the military, police, local government units, and the people. He further underscored that the voluntary surrender of fi****ms is a vital step toward achieving a more peaceful, secure, and progressive community.

The activity serves as a testament to the continuing collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the Local Government Unit in advancing long-term peace and security in Sultan Kudarat.

20/05/2026

𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion successfully inaugurated the Kabuling Detachment, marking another significant milestone in the unit’s continuing commitment to strengthen peace, security, and public service within its area of responsibility.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by BGen Omar V Orozco, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Ltc Raul P Escat GSC (Arm) PA Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion; and 1LT P*e Jay Macapagal (Arm) PA, Commanding Officer of the 21st Mechanized (Penetrator) Company.

Also present during the activity were local government officials and community leaders led by Hon. Rahib Nando, representative of the Vice Governor of Maguindanao del Sur, Hon. Faujiah Mangelen, Board Member, Hon. Mohajeran Balayman, Mayor of Pandag, and Hon. Sukor Mama, Barangay Chairman of Kabuling, who all expressed their support and commitment in sustaining peace and order in the community.

The newly established detachment is expected to enhance the battalion’s operational capability, strengthen security presence, and ensure immediate response to security concerns in the area. The activity also highlighted the importance of cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and the civilian community in promoting stability and development.

The establishment of Kabuling Detachment symbolizes the government’s continuing commitment to protect communities and provide a safer environment for the people. The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion remains steadfast in its mission of serving the people, preserving peace, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in support of lasting security and progress.

12/05/2026

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Makasag) Battalion proudly extends its warmest congratulations to our newly promoted Commander of the Armor Division, Philippine Army, MAJOR GENERAL RONEL R MANALO, PHILIPPINE ARMY on your well-deserved promotion.
Your unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and steadfast commitment to service continue to inspire every Makasag Trooper. This remarkable achievement reflects your professionalism, integrity, and tireless devotion to duty in the service of our nation.
May this new milestone further strengthen your mission of leading with honor and excellence. The entire Makasag Battalion stands proud and honored to serve under your leadership.
Congratulations, Sir, and may you continue to achieve greater success in your military career.



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06/05/2026

MAKASAG Battalion Leads Flag-Raising, Supports Ease of Doing Business Initiative

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat — The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army under Ltc Raul P. Escat, conducted its Flag-Raising Ceremony in support of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiative, bringing together government agencies, local officials, and stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and streamlined public service; the activity emphasized a shared commitment to fostering a transaction-friendly environment that drives local development, while MAKASAG personnel ensured the safe and orderly conduct of the event, reflecting the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ role in supporting governance and nation-building, and reinforcing the Battalion’s partnership with stakeholders in advancing public trust, efficient service delivery, and sustainable community progress.




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06/05/2026

MAKASAG Battalion Strengthens Peace Partnership with M**F 108th Base Command through Strategic Dialogue

PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat — LTC Raul P. Escat, GSC (ARM) PA, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion, led a command group visitation and dialogue to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) 108th Base Command last 30 April 2026 as part of sustained efforts to reinforce peace and security in the area.

Accompanying LTC Escat were CPT Mark Jerusalem Deveza, Commanding Officer of the 23rd Mechanized Company, and CPT Christopher T. Ruiz, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer. The engagement was hosted by M**F leadership headed by Base Commander Nauna Mamaluba, together with key members of the 108th Base Command staff, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining stability within their respective areas of responsibility.

The dialogue served as a strategic platform to enhance coordination, strengthen mutual trust, and sustain open lines of communication between government forces and M**F counterparts. Key discussions focused on preserving peace and order, addressing emerging security concerns, and reaffirming adherence to existing peace agreements and mechanisms.

Both parties emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and continuous engagement in preventing the resurgence of conflict and in fostering harmonious relationships among communities. The activity further reinforced the role of sustained dialogue as a critical enabler in consolidating peace gains and ensuring community resilience.

The visitation highlights the proactive approach of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (MAKASAG) Battalion in building and sustaining partnerships with peace stakeholders, in support of the Philippine Army’s broader mission to achieve enduring peace, stability, and development in Sultan Kudarat and its adjoining areas.




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27/04/2026

The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, joins the nationwide commemoration of the Battle of Mactan this April 27, honoring the bravery of Lapu-Lapu, the first recorded Filipino defender of our sovereignty.

As we mark its 505th anniversary, we draw strength from his legacy. Just as Lapu-Lapu stood against foreign aggression, today’s Armed Forces remain determined to protect our nation, including our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

A tribute to our past, a call to unity, and a commitment to defend what is rightfully ours.