Elite soldiers arrive, to train Cafgus against rebels

From the Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Jan 24): Elite soldiers arrive, to train Cafgus against rebels

OVER 200 soldiers from the Army’s Special Operations Command arrived yesterday to beef up the military’s anti-insurgency campaign here.

The elite soldiers would be sent to various areas and help in training militiamen in northern Mindanao and Caraga.

They would now be in-charge of the Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in at least two Mindanao regions, officials said.

The 1st Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment is an elite Army unit known for its unconventional warfare operations and information support affairs.

“The special forces are highly trained in the art of peace and security development,” said Camp Evangelista spokesperson Capt. Christian Uy.

Uy said first batch of over 200 soldiers arrived Thursday and were given traditional military honors. They were personally welcomed by 4th ID assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos.

“We are expecting more out-of-the-box initiatives… that will positively affect our campaign of winning peace for the people of northern Mindanao,” said Barrientos.

Barrientos said “maneuver troops” would boost the 4th Infantry Division’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“We can now better protect our people against those who want to destroy our democratic way of life,” he said.

The elite troops prior previously served with Army engineers during the clearing operations in Tacloban City in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda.

http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/elite-soldiers-arrive-to-train-cafgus-against-rebels.html