Kalinga has new Army peace force

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 5): Kalinga has new Army peace force

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) is now assigned in the province replacing the 21st IB.

Col. Roger Salvador, Commander of the 501st Brigade whose units include the 17th and 21st IB , said the switching of assignment is part of the Army’s regular reshuffle. The 501st Brigade area of operations includes the province of Kalinga.

Before its assignment to Kalinga, the 17th IB was deployed in Gattaran, Cagayan.

As standard procedure, elements of the newly assigned Army force to the province have to undergo retraining before their formal deployment.

They have started their retraining this week at the Kalinga Hostel upon approval by Gov. Jocel C. Baac of the use of the facility.

During the opening program of the retraining, Baac urged the troopers to stay committed as government peace force as he assured the full support of the provincial leadership.

Baac also called on the 17th IB troopers to work with other government agencies to ensure secured and fair elections in Kalinga in the forthcoming midterm polls.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=181365130340