The Service Support Battalion (SSBn) of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, conducted a Forward Treatment Unit (FTU) Readiness Training from October 19 to 26, 2026, at Camp Siongco, Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, training 62 military personnel in battlefield medical care.
The training was led by Lt. Col. Nonie M. Ruizal, according to a press release issued October 31, 2026, by the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 6th Infantry Division.
Participants and Unit Composition
The 62 participants included 51 students drawn from the organic line units of the 6th Infantry Division and 11 reservists from the 12th and 16th Regional Community Defense Groups, the DPAO said.
The training aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in FTU operations, specifically in providing medical support in austere and forward-deployed environments.
Curriculum: From Field Care to Logistical Sustainment
Participants underwent lectures and hands-on practical exercises covering FTU organization and operations, logistical sustainment, medical equipment management, and Prolonged Field Care, according to the DPAO release.
The course also included emergency medical response procedures and the management of combat casualties.
Black Hawk Casualty Evacuation Drill
A major highlight of the training was a culminating simulation exercise involving a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for casualty evacuation, according to the DPAO. The drill was designed to demonstrate the importance of coordinated medical response and timely evacuation in battlefield operations.
FTU Showcased at 6ID's 39th Anniversary
The Forward Treatment Unit was also installed and showcased during the 39th Anniversary celebration of the 6th Infantry Division, according to the DPAO. The showcase took place before Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central.
Catu Stresses Medical Readiness as Operational Imperative
In his message, Brig. Gen. Catu emphasized that battlefield medical readiness is critical, particularly in forward areas where medical personnel must operate under challenging conditions, limited resources, and time-sensitive situations.
He underscored that the ability to provide immediate and appropriate medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death for wounded soldiers.
Catu further stressed that medical personnel must remain highly trained, adaptable, and mission-ready to ensure that no soldier is left without proper medical attention regardless of the situation on the ground. He also said that saving lives is not only a medical responsibility but an essential part of sustaining the Division's operational effectiveness and accomplishing its mission.
SSBn's Role in 6ID Medical Readiness
The DPAO said the training is part of the SSBn's continuing effort to strengthen the medical readiness and operational capabilities of the 6th Infantry Division, reaffirming the Philippine Army's commitment to preserving lives and ensuring responsive medical support to troops in demanding operational environments.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army