More SAF troopers in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The province of Negros Occidental will get an additional company of Special Action Force (SAF) commandos to prevent attacks by communist groups.

Superintendent Joel Malong, spokesman for the Western Visayas police, said they have yet to be informed of the date of arrival of the additional SAF troopers.

At present, there are three SAF companies under the supervision of the 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police in northern Negros.

The SAF companies assist in the internal security operation of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) based in the province. A company-sized SAF unit is composed of 80 to 100 personnel.

The deployment of more SAF troopers in Negros was provided under Memorandum Circular No. 32 issued by Malacañang, to suppress the “growing violence and acts of terror” of the New People’s Army.

The Philippine Army will also augment its forces on the islands, although it has established a command post of the Bohol-based 302nd IB in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.