MANILA, Philippines — The Army has activated an elite brigade of troops trained to deal with major security threats. Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto yesterday said activation of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1st BCT) is in support of the national government’s security agenda. The 1st BCT will be headquartered at Fort Magsaysay. The 1st BCT is scheduled to train under “Salaknib” joint exercises involving Filipino and American forces. The newly formed combat team will also be representing the Army in next year’s joint Philippine-US Balikatan exercises.

Source: Philippine Star December 15, 2018 16:00 UTC