The Philippine Army’s 3rd Field Artillery Battalion conducted its annual live-fire exercises in Sipalay City from October 29 to 31, prompting concerns from a human rights group about the activity’s possible effects on nearby residents, particularly farmers and farmworkers.
Lieutenant Colonel Reymando Braza, commander of the 3rd Field Artillery Battalion, told Brigada News Philippines on Friday, October 30, that the exercises serve three purposes: testing the reliability and capabilities of Howitzer artillery systems, improving the skills of artillery personnel, and strengthening the unit’s overall readiness.
He said the training ensures that the artillery systems can deliver timely and accurate indirect fire support to ground troops when needed.
The exercises also form part of the Army’s territorial defense preparations, although Braza clarified that the artillery unit’s support to ground forces would depend on operational requirements.
Asked whether the Howitzers could also be used in internal armed conflicts, Braza said their deployment would depend on ground troops’ needs, but stressed that the battalion is more focused on territorial defense.
Braza said the designated practice target was approximately 6.2 kilometers from Sitio Barasbarasan in Barangay Manlucahoc. He added that the artillery impact, which he referred to as the “killing zone,” could cause damage within a radius of at least 50 meters from the point of impact.
The 3rd Field Artillery Battalion covers the entire Visayas, including the Negros Island Region, providing indirect fire support to Army maneuver units.
The commander said the Sipalay exercises were held for the fourth consecutive year, but this was the first time the activity was publicly highlighted and carefully planned and coordinated with concerned authorities, with the necessary approvals secured, including a city-level resolution.
He added that Army personnel must undergo training, demonstrate proficiency, and pass the required assessments before they can be certified and assigned to an artillery battery.
Each battery typically consists of 45 personnel trained to operate artillery weapons, Braza said.
HRAN raises concerns
Meanwhile, Human Rights Advocates in Negros (HRAN) opposed the exercises, saying the activity placed the safety and livelihoods of residents in Barangay Manlucahoc at risk.
In a statement, the group said farmers and farmworkers could face restrictions on movement and access to their livelihood areas within the eight-kilometer impact zone during the exercises.
HRAN also raised concerns about the possible psychological effects of artillery firing on residents, particularly children, and questioned the decision to hold live-fire exercises in an inhabited community.
The group further recalled military operations and bombings in Negros in 2024, saying these had disrupted the livelihoods of farmers and farmworkers.
It also criticized the exercises, linking them to preparations for a possible conflict between the United States and China, and claimed that increased military presence in communities could contribute to human rights concerns and displacement.
HRAN called for the suspension of the exercises and the withdrawal of military personnel from communities across Negros Island.
Braza, for his part, maintained that the activity was properly planned and coordinated with local authorities, emphasizing its aim of ensuring the reliability of artillery equipment and personnel readiness.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.