BACOLOD City – To boost anti-insurgency operations in Negros Island, the Philippine Army realigned its forces.
“This realignment is based on the geographical and threat considerations that will further improve the operational effectiveness of the brigades,” said 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
The move was based on the directive of 3rd Infantry Division commander Major General Dinoh Dolina aimed to adjust the 302nd and 303rd IB’s areas of operations starting July 1.
Under the new set-up, the 303IB’s area of coverage now includes northern part of the island.
It includes entire 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, 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 and 47IB based in Bohol.
The 302IB led by Brigadier General 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. (With a report from PNA/PN)
