ARMY TROOPS REINFORCED
TO FIGHT INSURGENCY IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

by JUDY FLORES PARTLOW

DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 27 (PNA) – Additional units of the Philippine Army have arrived in Negros Oriental as the military girds up for a heightened campaign against the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.
Over the weekend, the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) arrived at the Dumaguete port on board the Philippine Navy ship, BRP Benguet.
This is the second battalion, next to the 79th IB, to be deployed to the province amid a timeline set by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to eradicate the insurgency problem by 2010.
The 15th IB will cover areas in northern Negros Oriental while the 79th IB will be concentrating in the central and southern parts of the province.
Meanwhile, the 302nd Brigade has also arrived here and will set up its base camp in Tanjay City.
Both the 15th IB and the 79th IB shall be under the operational control of the 302nd Brigade, headed by Lt. Col. Cesar Yano.
Army officials here have reiterated their warning against rebel groups that they shall be dealt with accordingly.
However, they also assured that anti-insurgency operations would not be focused solely on combat but shall also include civic action such as dialogues and medical missions, among others. (PNA)
LAP/JFP