20th IB arriving in NegOr

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 27): 20th IB arriving in NegOr

The 20th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, based in Samar, will arrive in Negros Oriental Wednesday or Thursday, to fill the vacuum while soldiers of the 79th IB, based in Siaton town undergo a three-month battalion excellence training in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Vizcaya.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Brigade, said the province is lucky that the Armed Forces of the Philippines decided to “loan” the 20th IB, that has also recently completed the same training to avoid a vacuum while the 79th IB troops are on training.

Patrimonio allayed public fears that, after the declaration of Negros Oriental as conflict manageable and development-ready in relation to the reduced problem of insurgency, the Philippine Army will pull out of the province.

During the recent declaration, AFP officials had repeatedly assured that government troops will remain in Negros Oriental, even though areas no longer affected by the presence of the New People’s Army will be turned over to the Philippine National Police.

Patrimonio said that in their first two months, the 20th IB will be exposed to the jurisdiction of the 79th IB for familiarization.

After two months, the 79th IB will leave for the training that will last for two to three months, before they return to Negros Oriental.

The training is for the best battalions in their divisions, and aims to improve their skills and qualify for additional firearms and logistics, among others, he said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/May/27/negor2.htm