Army forces in Negros realigned to boost anti-insurgency ops

THE Philippine Army has realigned its forces in Negros to boost anti-insurgency operations across the island.

The move was based on the directive of Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, to adjust the areas of operations of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades (IB) in Negros starting July 1.

“This realignment is based on the geographical and threat considerations more than the political boundaries and will further improve the operational effectiveness of the brigades,” said Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303IB based in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Under the new set-up, the area of coverage of the 303IB now includes the northern part of the island, including the first to fifth districts of Negros Occidental and the first district of Negros Oriental.

The 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Guihulngan City, which was previously part of the 302IB, has joined the 79IB in Sagay City and the 62IB in Isabela town under the 303IB.

On the other hand, the 303IB has ceased control of the 15IB in Cauayan town, which is now part of the 302IB along with the 11IB, which has recently returned from Zamboanga City, and the 47IB based in Bohol.

The 302IB led by Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, has assumed responsibility over the southern part of the island, including the sixth district of Negros Occidental as well as the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.

After the return of the 11IB last month, Dolina said that government troops will saturate Negros Island for combat operations and peace development initiatives.

On Sunday, Arevalo announced the realignment of forces and operational boundaries during his field visit at the 15IB headquarters in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan.

He awarded a plaque of appreciation and letters of commendation to the 15IB personnel led by commander Lt. Colonel Patricio Tomales in recognition of their outstanding service to 303IB. “The 15IB is able to perform well and with that, I commend and thank them for their dedication and support to 303IB. Despite the realignment of forces and operational boundaries, the two brigades will sustain the gains in the campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippinesnew People’s Army-national Democratic Front (CPP-NPANDF) in Negros Island,” Arevalo said.