The Philippine Army’s 69th Infantry Cougar Battalion has started the construction of its facilities at Barangay San Juan in the town of Botolan, Zambales on 20 February 2026.

According to 69IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Mark Anthony B. Ruelos, PA, the new facilities will include the construction of the battalion admin building, officers barracks, motorpool building, multi-purpose hall, ammo dump, and company barracks.

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., represented by Board Member Rundy Ebdane, was the guest of honor along with Second District Representative Doris E. Maniquiz. Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, represented by Vice Mayor Atty. Edmund Dante D. Perez, gave his welcome remarks.

7th Infantry Division Commander Major Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, PA, and DPWH Region 3 OIC Engr. Arnold R. Ocampo provided messages of support for the construction of the said facilities that would boost the capabilities of the 69IB.

Brigadier General Ronald M. Bautista, commander of the 702nd infantry brigade, represented Pasamonte in the said event.

Commanding Officer Ruelos said that groundbreaking ceremony included the Blessing of the Site and the Time Capsule Laying, marking the start of the construction.

The 69IB is a unit of the 7th Infantry "Kaugnay” Division, Philippine Army, primarily operating in Central Luzon (specifically Zambales) to maintain peace, order, and security. Under the leadership of Ruelos, the battalion conducts counter-insurgency, community relations, and humanitarian assistance operations.