Fifth army unit from Eastmincom to be deployed against Abu Sayaff

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31): Fifth army unit from Eastmincom to be deployed against Abu Sayaff

The 68th Infantry Battalion is set to be deployed to Western Mindanao where the Armed Forces is engaged in fierce clashes with the Abu Sayaff Group.

This will be the fifth army unit from Eastern Mindanao Command to be deployed to area after the 69th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Ranger Battalion, 16th Infantry Battalion and the Special Forces Battalion.

This numbers about 2,000 troops if the battalions are at regular strength of about 400 to 450 men.

Major Ezra Balagtey said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum today (August 31) the deployment of the 68th is not in connection with the heavy casualties incurred by the Army after clashes with the Abu Sayaff but rather a planned deployment of additional troops following President Duterte’s order to crush the Abu Sayaff.

About 15 soldiers which included one army officer were killed in an encounter last August 30 with the Abu Sayaff.

Maj. Balagtey said the coming peace talks, the army units of the EastMinCom will be more focused on peace and development activity rather than combat operations in the area of responsibility. “The army battalions left behind will adjust accordingly.”

The 71st Infantry Battalion would take over the area of the 69th IB, with the coming deployment of the 68th either the 84th IB will be taking over. The 68th Infantry Battalion is currently deployed in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. 

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541472632581/fifth-army-unit-from-eastmincom-to-be-deployed-against-abu-sayaff