AFP to deploy 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sulu for anti-ASG ops

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2019): AFP to deploy 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sulu for anti-ASG ops

The military will deploy the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) to Sulu in line with ongoing efforts to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.

"Now that the election period is over and national candidates have been proclaimed, we are redeploying forces to security challenged areas like Sulu Archipelago for focused military operations," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in an interview with reporters Thursday.

The IBCT consists of around 1,500 officers and enlisted personnel.

Arevalo said that there is no firm date yet on the deployment of the IBCT as the unit is still in Manila as of this posting.

"(Deployment of 1BCT) intends to add to the required personnel and equipment fill up for the newly created Army XI (11th) Infantry Division; part of regular rotation of units and troops," the AFP spokesperson stressed.

The 11th Infantry Division is expected to complete its equipment and manpower by 2022.

Once deployed in Sulu, the IBCT will be utilized to sustain the momentum and seize operational tempo to pursue the gains the military has attained in the fight against the ASG which has been sowing terror, death, and destruction in Sulu, he added.

The unit, along with other AFP units, will help secure Sulu and bring peace and development for Filipino Muslims residing in the province, Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071085