Camp Ranao, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
June 23, 2025

Concluding his visit to Marawi City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with the 103rd Infantry ‘Haribon’ Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (1ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) at Camp Ranao in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

During his talk to the troops, the Commander-in-Chief noted that while the subsistence allowance has increased, a broader review of the compensation structure is underway. The Administration is studying a more responsive system that considers the varying levels of danger faced by deployed personnel.

The government is also prioritizing non-monetary benefits such as healthcare, scholarships and support for soldiers’ families. These programs help ease the burdens of deployment and improve morale among the troops.

Concerns about Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities were also raised. The President reported that improved drone models are now under assessment, highlighting the need to equip each unit with tools suited to their specific operational environments.

Furthermore, the troops mentioned the lack of night fighting equipment as a continuing gap. While select special units have access to night vision goggles and optical gun sights, most soldiers still use outdated iron sights. To this end, the President directed defense officials to prioritize the procurement of efficient and durable night optics as part of the military’s modernization plan.

President Marcos Jr. ended his talk by assuring the Brigade that their concerns are being addressed in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DND). He stated that the government remains focused on enhancing the safety, effectiveness and well-being of soldiers serving on the frontlines.

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