The 802nd Infantry Brigade here announced the relocation of its 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) to Mindanao. This was confirmed by Brigade Commander Col. Francisco F. Mendoza Jr. who said that the battalion was officially transferred to North Cotabato last Sunday, May 29.
The relocation was in compliance of a directive from higher headquarters for army units in Luzon and Visayas to augment forces in Mindanao to address the spate of kidnappings perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf bandit/terrorist group. “They needed additional forces to address these (kidnapping) cases,” said Mendoza.
The 802IB covers the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran. It has two battalions under its command, that is, the 19th and 78th Infantry Brigades (IB).
On the other hand, the 801st and 803rd IBs have jurisdiction over the whole Samar Island. The choice of which battalion to send to Mindanao was based on tactical consideration.
“(Higher command) directed the Philippine Army (PA)’s 19th IB to be deployed (to Mindanao) primarily based on the status of the peace and order situation in (Eastern Visayas),” Mendoza explained. “Comparing Leyte and Samar, mas manageable ang situation natin dito sa Leyte.” Southern Leyte and Biliran have already been declared insurgency-free while Leyte is scheduled for such declaration at the end of this year.
With the 19th IB’s departure from the province, this will leave the 78th IB to secure Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
The good news is that it will be complemented by the 83rd Division Recon Company which just arrived from Mindanao and will take over the camp vacated by the 19th IB in Aguiting, neighboring Kananga town.
http://www.mb.com.ph/?p=433282
The relocation was in compliance of a directive from higher headquarters for army units in Luzon and Visayas to augment forces in Mindanao to address the spate of kidnappings perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf bandit/terrorist group. “They needed additional forces to address these (kidnapping) cases,” said Mendoza.
The 802IB covers the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran. It has two battalions under its command, that is, the 19th and 78th Infantry Brigades (IB).
On the other hand, the 801st and 803rd IBs have jurisdiction over the whole Samar Island. The choice of which battalion to send to Mindanao was based on tactical consideration.
“(Higher command) directed the Philippine Army (PA)’s 19th IB to be deployed (to Mindanao) primarily based on the status of the peace and order situation in (Eastern Visayas),” Mendoza explained. “Comparing Leyte and Samar, mas manageable ang situation natin dito sa Leyte.” Southern Leyte and Biliran have already been declared insurgency-free while Leyte is scheduled for such declaration at the end of this year.
With the 19th IB’s departure from the province, this will leave the 78th IB to secure Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
The good news is that it will be complemented by the 83rd Division Recon Company which just arrived from Mindanao and will take over the camp vacated by the 19th IB in Aguiting, neighboring Kananga town.
http://www.mb.com.ph/?p=433282
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