8th ID gets 51 brand-new mobility assets

The Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division’s capability to respond to various security threats and humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations got a much needed boost when it received an additional 51 units of brand-new 1 1/4 KIA KM-450 trucks. (Photo: Hukbalatsin ( Hukbo Ng Bayan Laban Sa Tsino )/Facebook)

MANILA—The Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division’s capability to respond to various security threats and humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations got a much needed boost when it received an additional 51 units of brand-new 1 1/4 KIA KM-450 trucks.

In a statement Tuesday, 1st Lt. Cherry Junia, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the vehicles were commissioned into military service last March 3.

Commissioning ceremonies took place at the 8th Infantry Basketball Court at Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan.

Junia said the multipurpose all-terrain military truck was first introduced in 1998 as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The 11/4 KIA KM-450 is powered by a 3.9 liter diesel engine and can run a maximum road speed of above 100 kilometers per hour.

Out of the 51 units of KM-450 received by 8th Infantry Division, 17 were issued in advance to line units in Mindanao to boost and strengthen their mobility assets in support to the intensive military operation against the terrorist groups.