‘Returning 11th IB to bolster peace’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 11, 2019): ‘Returning 11th IB to bolster peace’

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said that the return of 11th Infantry Battalion to Negros will boost the peace campaign of the government, and in fast-tracking their clearing efforts in Negros Island.

Dolina, who led the welcome ceremony yesterday for the returning 11IB troops at the port of Dumaguete City, said he anticipates the faster demise of the local terrorist organization in Negros island.

“ We will saturate Negros Island with more troops so we can fill up every inch of the island ,” he said, stressing that the bigger number of troops are not only for combat operations but also for peace and development activities.

The 11IB troops, who arrived Sunday morning in Dumaguete City, on board a Philippine Navy ship, have been reassigned to Mindanao for two years, to prevent the spillover of Abu Sayyaf terrorist group from Basilan and Jolo to Zamboanga City.

I” expect you to show these local terrorists that you are now wiser, deadlier and more dedicated than when you left. I expect you to immediately remind our enemies that the 11IB is here for serious business." Dolina stressed, in his welcome speech before the returning troops.

With the return of 11IB, there are now five Army infantry battalions assigned in Negros Island.

“Remember that like a hammer, 11IB does not only serve as a weapon against those who threaten the lives of our countrymen but is primarily a tool to bring progress and lasting peace,” Dolina said.

To the local enforcement units, chief executives and other stakeholders, Dolina stressed that 11IB will now be working with them once again, in bringing continues progress to the island of Negros.

He re iterated his call to the remaining NPA members in Negros to abandon the senseless armed struggle and to go back to the mainstream society, as their disillusioned comrades did.

Last week, nine former rebels availed of P485,000 financial and livelihood assistance from the national government.

Dolina said that the government is now mobilizing all concerned agencies to address the root causes of insurgency.

It’s about time for those who are already in doubt of their armed movement to return to the folds of law and avail of the Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), he added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/11/topstory6.htm