Rangers return to Negros uncertain

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 4): Rangers return to Negros uncertain

The return of the Army’s Scout Ranger Battalion to Negros is still uncertain, although the Armed Forces of the Philippines has started to pull out other elite military units from Zamboanga.

Lt. Col. Oriel Pangcog, 1st SRB commander, yesterday said the Light Reaction Battalion of the Special Operations Command was already pulled out from Zamboanga, while they are still waiting for orders from the AFP headquarters.

Troopers of the 1st SRB are now resting at the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) headquarters, after they were pulled out Sunday from Brgy. Santa Catalina, Zamboanga City.

The village of Santa Catalina served as the battleground of 1st SRB troopers and the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction fighters for more than two weeks.

In weeks of intense fighting with the MNLF-Nur Misuari faction, the 1st SRB captured 121 MNLF fighters, recovered 102 high-powered firearms, including anti-tank 90mm recoilless rifle, and two artillery mortar weapons, and rescued 61 civilians used as hostages, military records show.

Pangcog said the AFP is now deliberating on giving medals to 1st SRB troopers who performed exceptionally and above the call of duty during the fight against MNLF fighters.

Pangcog said the WESMINCOM, which is led by Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, ordered him to submit a list of soldiers who should receive medals.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/October/04/topstory11.htm