LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — September 27, 2025. The 18th Infantry (Deo et Patria) Battalion has successfully completed a rigorous Urban Combat Training (UCT) program aimed at sharpening the unit’s operational readiness in urban environments, reflecting the military’s commitment to adapting to the evolving nature of modern warfare.
The program, held in Lamitan City, focused on preparing soldiers to operate effectively in built-up areas—an environment increasingly vulnerable to small-scale conflicts. The training highlighted the battalion’s readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats while safeguarding civilian lives and property.
“In the 21st Century, we have witnessed a new type of warfare,” said 18IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Caro. “Urban environments like cities and town centers are now vulnerable to small-scale conflicts that bring destruction to livelihoods, economies, and people’s lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that Marawi never happens again and that our citizens live their daily lives safe and sound.”
The UCT covered a wide range of specialized skills, including:
- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) techniques, such as surgical room clearing, building entry, and tactical movement in confined spaces.
- Urban navigation and map reading, enhancing soldiers’ ability to maneuver through complex layouts using maps, GPS, and visual cues.
- Rules of Engagement (ROE), ensuring strict adherence to operational guidelines in populated areas.
- Communication and coordination, strengthening teamwork and command integration during high-pressure urban operations.
The training featured realistic simulations designed to replicate the challenges of actual urban combat, where troops practiced clearing structures, engaging targets, and coordinating under pressure.
By completing the program, the 18IB has reinforced its ability to confront adversaries across diverse terrains—from jungles and mountains to densely populated centers. The battalion emphasized that while soldiers often engage in “operations other than war,” warfighting remains their core competency.
The 18th Infantry Battalion reaffirmed its mission of serving the Filipino people and upholding its guiding principle of Deo et Patria—For God and Country.