THE 72ND Infantry (Gabay) Battalion emerged victorious for the second consecutive year in the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division’s 8th Agila Patrol (AGPAT) Challenge, which concluded on Jan. 31, 2025, at the 10th Division Training School in Mawab, Davao de Oro.
Fourteen infantry squads from various units within the 10th Infantry Division participated in the five-day competition, showcasing their combat readiness and teamwork through a series of challenging events. These included squad mission briefings, river crossings, marksmanship, tactical combat casualty care, signaling, observe-fire procedures, landmine breaching/explosive identification, reconnaissance patrols, jungle raids, close-quarters battle (CQB), prisoner-of-war handling, patrol reporting, and debriefings.
The 66th Infantry (Kabalikat) Battalion secured second place, while the 39th Infantry (Smash ‘Em’) Battalion placed third. The 72nd Infantry Battalion, in addition to retaining the championship title, received a cash prize, a set of military uniforms, a Military Commendation Medal, and the prestigious Perpetual Trophy.
Major General Allan D. Hambala, 10ID commander, commended the participating soldiers for their exceptional performance and unwavering dedication.
“The spirit of camaraderie and relentless pursuit of readiness displayed by all participants truly reflects the ethos of the 10th Infantry Division,” Hambala stated.
“Your efforts ensure that we are always prepared to face any challenge,” he said.
In a significant announcement, Maj. Gen. Hambala revealed that the next AGPAT Challenge will feature an all-female soldier lineup, further emphasizing the division’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
The AGPAT Challenge serves as a crucial platform for honing the combat skills and teamwork of infantry soldiers within the 10th Infantry Division, ensuring their continued readiness to fulfill their mission of safeguarding national security.
Photos courtesy of 10th ID