More troops to beef up forces in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - A group of an elite force of the Philippine Army is expected to arrive in Negros Occidental this month to augment government troops in the wake of atrocities allegedly perpetuated by the New People's Army in the province.

A source in the military headquarters, who requested not to be named, disclosed that the 3rd Scout Ranger Company from Catbalogan City in Samar will be deployed to the province within this month.

This would be in addition to the two Scout Ranger companies under the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion (SRB) already deployed to the province earlier, the source said.

The 1st Scout Ranger Company will be assigned to Negros Oriental, while the 2nd Scout Ranger Company will be deployed to Moises Padilla town, said the source.

There were two brigades attending to the Internal Security Operations in Negros Island, namely, the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, and the 302nd IB based in Tanjay, Negros Oriental.

Under these two brigades were at least four regular army battalions, with the 1st SRB based in La Granja, La Carlota City serving as the striking force for the two brigades.

Recently, the NPA rebels claimed responsibility of the raid of the Philex Mining Corp. in Sipalay City, with the damage pegged at P3 million, authorities said.

The NPA rebels also torched farm tractors in two haciendas in E.B. Magalona town, in two separate incidents that happened in a span of two weeks.

Meanwhile, Col. Oscar Lactao of PMA Class '84, operations chief of the Philippine Army, was being eyed to replace Col. Manuel Ochotorena as 302nd Brigade commander, with the turnover ceremonies scheduled next week, the source said.

Ochotorena will be assigned assistant division commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Awang, Cotabato, the source added. - THE FREEMAN