21/01/2026
Artillery Regiment Celebrates Arrival of 9th Field Artillery “Firestorm” Battalion
On 19 January 2026, the Artillery Regiment hosted the arrival ceremony at the historic Carrasco Hall on its headquarters grounds to formally welcome back the 9th Field Artillery “Firestorm” Battalion, marking the successful completion of their years-long deployment in Mindanao. Led by LTC RONALD C VISPO (ART) PA, Battalion Commander with BRIGADIER GENERAL HUBERT S ACIERTO (ART) PA, Commander, Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army, the event honored the battalion’s unwavering dedication, exceptional performance, and selfless service in advancing peace and security efforts in one of the Philippines’ most strategically significant regions.
Over the years, the battalion has operated in multiple provinces, including Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and North Cotabato, working closely with other military units, local government agencies, and civilian stakeholders.
During their deployment, the “Firestorm” Battalion carried out a variety of roles. They provided indirect fire support to ground troops involved in security operations, conducted surveillance and reconnaissance missions to protect critical infrastructure and populated areas, and led efforts to build relationships with local communities through medical outreach programs and medical and dental activities.
Moreover, BGEN Hubert S Acierto emphasized the battalion’s impact: “The men and women of the 9th Field Artillery Battalion did not just follow orders – they embodied the core values of the Philippine Army: honor, loyalty, duty, and courage. In the face of difficult terrain and complex security situations, they stayed committed to serving the Filipino people.
The arrival ceremony followed longstanding military traditions, starting with the presentation of the battalion’s audiovisual display to BGEN ACIERTO, highlighting the unit's operations in Mindanao.