The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division has sent more
than 300 soldiers from Samar
Island
On Wednesday, the army division held a send-off ceremony for
the 63rd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar province
at the Calbayog City Airport
The battalion consists of 297 military personnel and 14
officials who will participate in the ongoing military offensives to neutralize
the terrorist group.
The deployment came after the bloody encounter between
government troops and Abu Sayyaf that claimed lives of 15 soldiers.
Lt. Col. Carmelito Pangatungan, 63rd IB commander said that
they are well-prepared for the assignment.
“Even before we were informed on this assignment, I already
told my troop of the possibility that we will be assigned in Sulu. As soldiers,
it is our mandate to run after bad elements, terrorists that are threat for the
attainment of lasting peace in the country,” he told reporters.
Currently, there are more than 5,000 soldiers deployed to
Sulu to fight against the terrorist group.
Brig. Gen. Cesar Idio, assistant 8th ID commander reminded
the soldiers to be careful, enhance commandership, develop leadership, and
continue with the needed training.
“Of course, do not forget to pray as this is our only hope,”
Idio told the soldiers.
Idio assured that even with the transfer of 63rd IB, it will
not affect the operation of the division particularly in previously covered
areas in Northern Samar and parts of Calbayog
City
“We assessed the situation. The regional police will also
align their forces to cover the gaps created by the pull-out,” he added.
The battalion took an active part to the declaration of
Northern Samar as peace and development-ready province and Calbayog City
The troop also contributed to the declaration of 12 towns in
Northern Samar as insurgency-free.
The 63rd IB is the fourth military unit from Eastern Visayas
assigned to Mindanao . Early this year, the
government deployed the entire 19th IB force based in Kananga ,
Leyte to Cotabato province.
Last year, the division also sent the 34th IB to Maguindanao
in support for military operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighter (BIFF), Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM) and other lawless elements
undermining the peace and development efforts in the South.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan admitted that the deployment
of troops from Samar province to Mindanao may
have an impact on the peace and order situation in the province, a former
hotbed of armed rebels.
“The Army assured us, however, that in the event an
insurgency may arise again in the province, they will order the return of
military forces to Samar
Island
Problem on accessibility connecting towns and villages in Samar provinces is among the reasons why some parts of
the island remained a stronghold of communist rebels.
“They were also planning to transfer the 87th IB, but we
asked them to retain the military troops and we are happy that they granted our
request,” Tan added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919113
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