The Philippine Marine Corps has received new Commando armored systems, support vehicles, and artillery in Central Mindanao.
Held at the Polloc Port in Maguindanao del Norte, the ceremony welcomed three Commando V-300 armored personnel carriers, a V-300 fire support platform, and two V-150 anti-tank vehicles.
The service also accepted two 105-millimeter howitzers, two 155-millimeter howitzers, two small riverine craft, a Kia Light Tactical Vehicle, and a small drone.
They were accepted in partnership with the Maguindanao-based Philippine Army 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
“The assets of the 1st Marine Brigade being deployed in [Joint Task Force Central] strengthens our shared commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout our joint operational area,” Kampilan Division Commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete remarked during the event.
“Given the challenging security environment in Central Mindanao, your expertise and capabilities are more than just an asset, they are essential to the unit’s success.”
Bolstering Southern Region Operations
The army said that the new fleet will be distributed to the 1st Marine Brigade, which conducts missions across the Muslim-governed autonomous region in southeastern Mindanao.
Once operational, the capabilities will be leveraged to improve the service’s interoperability, proficiency, and rapid response functions.
“The arrival of these new and advanced military assets strengthens our ability to safeguard the security of the communities and maritime domains under our jurisdiction,” 1st Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II explained.
“This is our contribution to fulfilling the security requirements of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”
The Cadillac Gage Commando
Developed by Cadillac Gage, the Commando vehicle was originally designed to support amphibious deployments under the US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army Military Police Corps during the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
Allied forces under the Southeast Asian country’s military also utilized the system to deter adversaries during the conflict.
The Commando has been offered in multiple iterations since its introduction until the 2000s.
Depending on its variant, the platform measures 5.7 to 6.1 meters (18.6 to 20 feet) long and can accommodate up to nine personnel.
It is equipped with a cannon, autocannon, a 7.62-millimeter machine gun, and smoke grenade launchers.
The vehicle is powered by a Chrysler petrol engine with 210 horsepower for a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and a range of 644 kilometers (400 miles).
Its latest variant, the V-300, has a 6×6 configuration and diesel turbo propulsion for enhanced range and speed. It was later upgraded to the V-600 to accommodate heavier weapons.