The 11th Infantry “Lapu-Lapu” Battalion of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division of the Philippine Army is expected to be redeployed to Negros Oriental starting Monday, following its stint in Zamboanga City.
Pulled out from Negros Oriental two years ago to see action in Mindanao, the battalion’s return to the island is a welcome development, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said Thursday.
Earlier this year, two ranking officials of the Philippine Army paid a courtesy call on the Governor to discuss, among other topics, the redeployment of the 11th IB to the Province.
Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the Central Command in the Visayas, proposed to the Governor to redeploy the 11th IB to Negros Oriental due to recent offensives and atrocities conducted by the New People’s Army on the island.
At present, four army battalions are deployed across Negros, three on the Occidental side (the 15th IB, 62nd IB, and 79th IB), and the 94th IB based in Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
With the addition of the 11th IB here, it is hoped that Negros would soon be free of insurgents.
An arrival ceremony is being prepared for the return of the 11th IB at the Dumaguete pier at 8 a.m. on Monday.
The headquarters of the Battalion is still being discussed but which could be in Pamplona town to cover the 2nd and 3rd Districts, according to Capt. Oliver Usog, civil-military operations officer.
With the return of 11th IB in Negros Oriental, the 94th IB, headed by Commander Lt. Col. Randy Pagunoran, will henceforth base their headquarters in Guihulngan City.
The commander of the 11th IB is Lt. Col. Carlo Ferrer, Usog announced. (PNA)
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