First Scout Ranger Regiment | |
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Pin Badge of the Scout Rangers | |
Active | November 25, 1950 – Present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | Philippine Army |
Type | ![]() |
Role | Anti-guerrilla jungle warfare Raiding operations Unconventional Warfare Counter-terrorism Hostage rescue |
Size | 5 Battalions |
Part of | Under the Philippine Army |
Garrison/HQ | Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan (Main) |
Nickname(s) | Musangs, FSRR, Strikers, Rangers, SR, Scout Ranger |
Motto(s) | We Strike |
Colors | Red |
March | Scout Ranger |
Mascot(s) | Civet / Black panther[citation needed] |
Anniversaries | November 25 |
Engagements | |
Decorations | ![]() Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge Presidential Streamer Award |
Commanders | |
Current commander | BGen. Freddie T. Dela Cruz PA |
Notable commanders |
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The Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is a Philippine Army unit specializing in anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, close quarters combat, urban warfare and sabotage.
The First Scout Ranger Regiment was formed on November 25, 1950 under the command of former AFP Vice Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Rafael M. Ileto.[1] The unit was modelled after two legendary fighting groups, the intelligence gathering American Alamo Scouts and the combat ready US Army Rangers, the unit was created due to a growing need to counter the Hukbalahap guerrillas and its rebellion with a force trained in small unit actions.[1] The Scout Rangers participated in the December 1989 coup attempt against the administration of Corazon Aquino.[2] Led by then Captain Danilo Lim, Major Abraham Purugganan and Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Galvez, some 2500 Rangers took over Makati in the most destructive coup attempt against the Aquino administration,[2][3] which left hundreds of civilians and soldiers dead, and hundreds more injured.
The Scout Rangers played a major role in capturing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel camp during the 2000 all-out war against the MILF. During the Battle of Marawi of 2017, Scout Rangers were the first elite units deployed with the 1st Infantry Division to neutralize the Islamic State-inspired groups the Maute and Abu Sayyaf and their leaders Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute brothers. During the battle the Rangers incurred many casualties including a veteran Captain of the battle of Zamboanga city. A Scout Ranger is credited with killing Hapilon during the final stages of battle.[4][5]
Their headquarters is based at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.
The following are subordinate battalions and companies of the First Scout Rangers.[citation needed]