• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army units stationed in Negros Island Region are up for realignment to ensure easy and fast coordination with local government units and government agencies.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said yesterday that all units stationed in Negros Occidental will be placed under the supervision of the 303rd Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog.
The 302nd Infantry Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas will take charge of the units in Negros Oriental, he added.
The 15th Infantry Battalion stationed in Cauayan, Negros Occidental used to be under the supervision of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental while the first district of Negros Oriental was included in the area of operations of the 303rd Infantry Brigade located in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Samson said the realignment of the Army units came after the dismantling of all existing guerrilla fronts in Negros Island.
“But we can still run after the rebel remnants who cross to Negros Oriental,” Dumosmog said.
There are six battalions based in Negros Island Region being supervised by the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades.
Dumosmog said they have also placed on standby the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief units for disaster-related activities.
Samson said they have quick reaction teams to assist the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections in the May 12 national and local elections.
Samson was accompanied by Dumosmog in paying a courtesy visit to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Thursday. | GB
