Army plans return of troops to Negros, Panay

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is eyeing the return of its two battalions currently assigned in war-torn Marawi City to Negros and Panay Islands.

The statement was made by Maj. Jon Aying, 3ID commander, following attacks staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) against government forces.

The 11th Infantry Battalion (11 IB) originally based in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental province and 82nd Infantry Battalion (82 IB) originally based in Miag-ao town, Iloilo province are currently in Marawi.

Aying said it may be approximately a month for government forces to be able to neutralize the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group.

“It will be better if they can come back soonest,” Aying told The Manila Bulletin Tuesday.

Aying said that the NPA took advantage of the ongoing war in Mindanao to step up atrocities against both the government and civilians in both Negros and Panay.

Most notably, six cops were killed by the NPA in Guihulngan City last July 21.

The NPA also raided the police station in Maasin town, Iloilo province last June 18.

Aying assured that four army battalions still oversee Negros: The 62nd Infantry Battalion (62 IB), the 79th Infantry Battalion (79 IB) and the two Negros Island Geographic Battalions.

In Panay, the 61st Infantry Battalion (61 IB) oversees Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo provinces.

Aying reiterated the call to local communities to help the army in intelligence gathering and report any suspicious activities.