It was first commanded by then LTC ARTURO T ENRILE (who later became afp chief of staff) while under the auspices of the army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division based at fort ramon magsaysay, nueva, ecija. The battalion was created in response to the army’s urgent need for a credible fighting unit to stem the tides of muslim seccesionism in the south. After its organization, the unit was immediately
sent to mindanao and was placed under the 4th infantry (diamond) division. It received its baptism of fire as a combat maneuver battalion while fighting the mnlf rebels in the jungles and mountains of mindanao. It further distinguished itself in major campaigns against the southern philippines secessionist movement in the provinces of zamboanga and basilan until 1981. On that same year, the battalion was unfilled and reorganized as a unit of the elite first scout ranger regiment, giving birth to the first scout ranger battalion under then colonel julius javier. As a ranger unit, the battalion retained its fighting prowess and consistently earned the admiration of both friend and foe units alike. On 11 october 1983, pursuant to general orders # 590, headquarters philippine army dated 05 october 1983, another group of selected filipino patriots were organized to compose the newly re-organized 41st infantry battalion of the 5th infantry (star) division, then based at camp gen servillano aquino, tarlac. It was tasked to conduct counter insurgency campaign against the new people’s army in the provinces of kalinga, apayao, isabela, cagayan and now, in abra. It dominated the battlefield with its specialized combat and non-combat skills that curbed the growing influence of the communist terrorist. 41st infantry battalion selflessly contributed its share of dedicated service in all weather and terrain that helped the division achieve strategic victory over northern luzon. Notable among the many glorious accomplishments of the brave men of the battalion was the social integration of the cordillera people’s liberation army headed by the late fr. Conrado balweg in 1986, and the unit’s participation in the liberation of marag valley from ct influence during the 90’s. Now on its 32nd year of rendering dedicated service to the people of northern luzon, the unit has not yet failed in accomplishing its mandated task of providing internal security operations in the province of abra. The battalion now focuses on relentless combat operations, coupled with an effective civil-military and psychological operations aimed at establishing a peaceful environment conducive to local socio-economic progress. Likewise, inter-agency coordination and cooperation had always been stressed during the conduct of mpoc meetings, dialogues to multi-sectoral groups, and anti-insurgency symposiums at different schools. In fact, through its relentless efforts, the battalion was able to overrun several ct encampments within its area of operation. Significant among these is the capture of the abra provincial party committee main camp at pacoc-talampac, lacub, abra last april 2007. The glorious reputation of the battalion was smeared during the may 2007 elections by false accusations of political partisanship and alleged human rights violations. However, the allegations were proven wrong, and the unit remained steadfast in focusing its internal security role while being apolitical at all times. To further enhance its fighting capability, the unit was pulled out from its area of operation in abra province and was made to undergo its retraining program on 27 march 2008. The unit, under the leadership of ltc raul v bautista, went through a rigorous but invaluable training at 5th division training unit starting from 02 april 2008 up to 17 june 2008. During the course of the training, ltc ignacio b madriaga assumed as the new commanding officer of the unit effective 16 april 2008 up to present. The unit completed the retraining with a very commendable performance – as righteously evaluated by headquarters, philippine army through their mobile training team evaluators. The battalion’s fighting men will remain dedicated to their mission and shall adhere to the finest traditions of filifino soldiery. Notwithstanding the suffering that they have endured as a result of operating in one of the most difficult, if not, the most difficult terrain in the country while being far from their families, they have bestowed countless sacrifices while in the performance of their sworn duties as protectors and defenders of democracy in this part of the country. 41st infantry battalion will continue to serve the people, and remain resolute in its avowed obligation while adhering to its motto that has shown the true nature and character of a 41st ib trooper – that of being your “partners for peace”
