AFP reduces troops in Basilan

BASILAN, Philippines — The military has started downsizing troops in Basilan as the situation in the area is returning to normal and threats from the Abu Sayyaf are declining.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan and 104th Army Brigade, said the Armed Forces and the Western Mindanao Command noted that the security situation in the province has improved.

The military redeployed the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip to Zamboanga City, replacing the 11th IB, which was sent back to Negros on Saturday.

Reyeg said they have to realign and adjust the forces to plug the security needs in the province.