The deployment of a light deployable battery (ldb) equipped with italian pack howitzers to eastern visayas will enhance military operations against armed rebels in mountainous areas:he deployment of a light deployable battery (LDB) equipped with Italian Pack Howitzers to Eastern Visayas will enhance military operations against armed rebels in mountainous areas, the Philippine Army said on Friday. The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) stated that the Italian Pack Howitzer is a lightweight and highly mobile artillery system designed to provide responsive and accurate indirect fire support in rugged terrain.

According to Philippines News Agency, the deployment of the LDB significantly enhances the operational capability of the 8th Infantry Division. Its mobility and firepower will provide maneuver units with timely and accurate artillery support, enabling them to conduct more effective operations against remaining communist terrorist group members.

The mobility and firepower of the artillery system will improve the operational flexibility of maneuver units and Joint Task Force Storm while enabling more effective combat operations and supporting troop and civilian safety, as stated by the 8ID. The Army highlighted that unlike the conventional 105mm howitzer, the LDB can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled, allowing troops to deploy artillery support in remote and mountainous areas where armed insurgents are believed to operate.

The artillery unit arrived in the region on July 26 and was welcomed through an arrival ceremony at the Army 803rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Camp Sumuroy, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar. The 8ID also assured the public that the deployment of the artillery unit is intended to strengthen legitimate military operations against armed threat groups while adhering to International Humanitarian Law, human rights, and the rule of law.