Army battalion activated

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 12): Army battalion activated

Another Army battalion has been added to the infantry units of the 3rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista formally activated on Thursday the 94th Infantry Battalion during the founding anniversary of the 3ID at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

The newly-activated 94IB is composed of about 450 personnel and headed by Lt Col. Carlo Ferrer.

Capt. Eduardo Precioso, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said that the 94IB is slated to augment the 301st Infantry Brigade stationed in Panay Island.

Panay island now has two Army battalions supervised by the 301st Infantry Brigade, while Negros Island has three Army battalions, which include the 15IB, 62IB and 79IB.

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, 3ID commanding general, said earlier that Negros Island is the priority area for clearing of local insurgents this year.

Two months ago, the 15th Infantry Battalion, an infantry unit of 3ID stationed in Mindanao, returned to Negros. It is now assigned in southern Negros.

The 3ID has two more infantry battalions, including the 11th and 82nd IBs, stationed in Mindanao

But Bautista who visited Negros Occidental Wednesday, said they may return the 3ID to the Visayas, as soon as the threats of the NPA and local terrorist groups in Eastern and Western Mindanao have been addressed.

Bautista said the 3ID troops may return to the Visayas by the third quarter of this year.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/12/topstory6.htm