ILOILO – Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion formerly based in Miag-ao town were recalled after five years of operation against the Maute Islamist terror group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), confirmed that the 82IB soldiers returned on May 1 but will be deployed to Cebu and Siquijor replacing one company of the 47th Infantry Battalion there.
The 47IB will move to Bohol.
On April 29, 2017, the entire 82IB was pulled out and sent to Marawi at the height of the Marawi siege of the Maute group.
The 82IB, composed of more than 500 officers under Army Lieutenant Vener Morga, was replaced by the 61st Infantry Battalion.
“We recalled some soldiers to strengthen our troops in fighting the New People’s Army (NPA) not only in Panay, but also in other regions under the 3ID,” Pancito said.
With their successful stint in Marawi, they were lauded for their successful contribution to the campaign against Local Terrorists Groups (LTG), Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and lawless elements for five years.
They conducted a series of successful joint law enforcement operations together with other security forces in Lanao del Sur province. They were also awarded for their heroism in combat and non-combat accomplishments of the unit while placed in operational control.
Major General Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, welcomed this development for the 82IB (Bantay Laya Battalion).
As it is now back to the Visayas, Vinoya urged the troops to maintain the organizational discipline and teamwork down to the lowest rank in the unit “to carry-on with the mission of the 3ID and Philippine Army as a whole,” he said.
The unit will help in maintaining peace and order in Cebu province and Siquijor Island to address all forms of threats there./PN
