CAMP O’DONNELL, Capas — The Philippine Army’s Armor (Pambato) Division marked a historic milestone on Friday, July 10, 2026, celebrating its 50th founding anniversary at its headquarters here, highlighting five decades of courage, dedication, and unwavering service to the Filipino nation.
The golden jubilee celebration was led by top military officials, including Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ronel Manalo, Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Lauro Oliveros, and Maj. Mel Andrey Alcala.
Local leaders and stakeholders also gathered to pay tribute to the division’s rich legacy of defending peace and security.
Nafarrete lauded the the division’s service milestone noting its leadership and successes.
“This is more than a celebration. Fifty years of service is the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter towards the next 50 years of successes and victories — one where the Pambato troopers continue to lead from the front, stronger, more capable, and more determined than ever to defend the nation,” the Army chief said.
Manalo, meanwhile, underscored the evolution of the Army’s Armor Division from internal to external threats.
“Our doctrine evolved from supporting internal security operations to embracing a broader role in territorial defense and combined arms operations. Our organization grew from a light armor regiment into an armor division capable of commanding tanks, mechanized infantry and cavalry units,” the Pambato Commander said.
As part of the milestone event, the division conferred prestigious awards upon outstanding military personnel and civilian partners who demonstrated exemplary performance, leadership, and heroism.
“50 years of service is the beginning of a new chapter; A chapter towards the next 50 years of successes and victories … ”
– Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete
Recognizing Valor and Administrative Excellence
Leading the awardees was Lt. Col. Resty Magora, who was honored with the Distinguished Conduct Star under the combat category.
Magora was recognized for his conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy while serving as Company Commander of Combat Team Charlie, Task Group “Bakal,” in support of Joint Task Force “Vector” during the Marawi City liberation campaign in 2017. His tactical excellence and frontline leadership were instrumental in neutralizing key ISIS-Maute terrorist leaders and seizing strategic objectives.
Under the administrative category, the Distinguished Service Star was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Florencio Zambo Taguba Jr. for his invaluable service as Commandant of the Armor School, elevating the institution to a Center of Excellence and achieving a Level 3 ETI vertical classification.
Col. Reynaldo Mina received the Distinguished Service Medal for his sound management and leadership as Commanding Officer of the Armor Maintenance (Masinop) Battalion, significantly improving unit effectiveness, facilities, and personnel welfare. Meanwhile, 1st Lt. Ronie Liang was awarded the Military Merit Medal for his outstanding professionalism and strategic communication initiatives from 2025 to 2026.
The division also named its top personnel for the calendar year 2025:
- Best Junior Officer: 1st. Lt. Joshua Arpon of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion
- Best Enlisted Personnel: Sgt. Joash Zoleta of the 6th Mechanized Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion
- Best Civilian Human Resource: Lilian Sambile, Administrative Aide VI of the Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO)
Army Governance Pathway Milestones
The event also highlighted the division’s commitment to institutional transformation through the Army Governance Pathway (AGP) status awards.
Achieving AGP Institutionalized Status were the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maasahan) Brigade under Brigadier General Omar Orozco, the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel William Sabado, the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Michael James Navarro, and the 2nd Cavalry (Masigasig) Battalion under Lt. Col. Leober Samudio Jr.
Meanwhile, AGP Proficient Status was conferred upon the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade under Brig. Gen. Bernardo Taqueban, the 6th Mechanized Infantry (Salaknib) Battalion under Lt. Col. Florencio Zambo Taguba Jr., and the Armor Maintenance (Masinop) Battalion under Lt. Col. Sylvia Lina Guesaed.
Honoring Stakeholders and Aviation Pioneers
In recognition of their invaluable support in advancing peace, security, and nation-building, the Armor Division presented plaques of appreciation to prominent stakeholders, including Dr. Isa Cojuangco-Suntay, Co-Founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation; Jimmy Tan, President and CEO of JVP Bread King Corporation/Jelexie Bakeshop; Col. Amy Adona GSC MC (Res), Medical Director of Adona Polymedic & Diagnostic Center; and representatives from the municipal government of Munai, Lanao del Norte, the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, Makati Hope Christian School, and the Tambayan Agriculture Cooperative.
Special command plaques were also given to former State Auditor III Ericson Aquino and former Unit Property Officer Lean Dominick Caingal.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the pinning of the prestigious Command Army Aviator Badge upon Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon Romero PAF (Reserve).
Romero, who served as Deputy Speaker during the 18th Congress, was commended for his visionary efforts in modernizing the country’s defense forces. Notably, he authored the inclusion of an additional P7 billion into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program in 2021 and 2022.
This crucial funding secured the acquisition of three brand-new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, state-of-the-art assets scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027 that will significantly enhance the military’s strategic airlift, rapid troop deployment, and logistical sustainment capabilities.
