'Ganarul’ Brigade gets huge ops boost

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military’s 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade based in Sulu province has boosted its coastal operations capabilities with the activation of two new motorboats.

1102nd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos on Monday disclosed that the operational testing of the two vessels was successful, adding that one of the motorboats is newly constructed and gray, while the other is a white, previously owned vessel.

The new boat was christened Ganarul Uno, and the acquired one was named Ganarul Dos.

“This significant milestone further strengthens the 1102nd Brigade’s ability to effectively respond to security challenges across the complex archipelagic domain of Sulu,” Delos Santos said.

The 1102nd Brigade is responsible for security in seven of Sulu’s 19 municipalities, including five on the mainland and two island municipalities -- Panamao, Kalingalan Caluang, Panglima Estino, Luuk Pata and Banguingui.

During the operational test, Delos Santos said the motorboats traveled from the port of Luuk to Sani-Sani Beach on Capual Island in Omar, Sulu, and then to the Tandang Mairan Rock Formation, also on Capual Island.

This allowed for a practical assessment of the boats’ performance in different coastal conditions.

“The operational test not only validated the readiness and seaworthiness of the motorboats but also fostered stronger camaraderie and teamwork among the brigade personnel,” Delos Santos said.