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Light Reaction Regiment

Light Reaction Regiment
LightReactionBn.jpg
Active February 1, 2004 - 2008 (LRC)
2008 - 2013 (LRB)
2014 - present (LRR)
Country Philippines Philippines
Branch Philippine Army
Type USA - Special Forces Branch Insignia.png Special Forces
Role Direct Action
Counter-Terrorism
Reconnaissance
Unconventional Warfare
Hostage Rescue
Size ~ 600 positions authorized in six companies
Part of Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
AFP Joint Special Operations Group
Garrison/HQ Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
Nickname(s) Light Reaction Regiment (LRR)
Light Reaction Battalion (LRB) (Former)
Light Reaction Company (LRC) (Former)
Motto(s) "Tiradores de la Muerte" (Sharpshooters of Death)
Engagements Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines
Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Decorations Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines) Streamer.png
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge
Presidential Streamer Award
Commanders
Current
commander
BGEN Alexander L. Macario AFP
Notable
commanders
Jose Luntok, Lawrence San Juan, Danilo Pamonag
Insignia
AFP Master Parachutist Badge
The AFP Master Parachutist Badge.jpg
Scout Ranger Qualification Badge
Scout Ranger Qualification Badge.jpg
Special Forces Qualification Badge
PA Special Forces Qualification Badge.jpg

The Light Reaction Regiment is the lead counter-terrorist unit of the Philippine Army. It was formerly known as the Light Reaction Battalion and Light Reaction Company. Its creation was primarily credited to a $25 million grant by the US Department of State used for the regiment's formation. Due to its specialization in counter-terrorism operations and its formation with American advisers, the Light Reaction Regiment has been sometimes referred to as the Philippines' Delta Force.

The Light Reaction Regiment can trace its origins back to the year 2000 when non-commissioned officers from the Scout Rangers and Philippine Army Special Forces were trained by American military advisers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group.

From February to July 2001, American special forces trained and raised the former LRC with further training during the 2002 Balikatan exercises, whose members were first drawn from the Scout Rangers and 1st Special Forces Regiment. After days and years of training under American instructors, the LRC was officially activated on February 1, 2004 and was tasked to be deployed into Mindanao in order to combat Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists responsible for abducting several foreign hostages, with the unit conducting an operation to rescue Gracia Burnham from Abu Sayyaf terrorists. Further exercises had been conducted during the 2006 Balikatan exercises. The LRB had been involved in a rescue operation conducted on a kidnapped Italian priest by armed men in 2007.

The unit had recently been involved in the aftermath of the Manila Peninsula rebellion, where they had been deployed to Manila to deter any other coup attempts. In addition, LRB forces have been deployed to Mindanao to conduct anti-terrorist operations in the region.


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Wikipedia

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