• 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 Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday said that all Army units stationed in Negros Occidental will be placed under the supervision of the 303rd Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog.
On the other hand, the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas will take charge of Negros Oriental.
The 15th Infantry Battalion stationed in Cauayan, Negros Occidental used to be under the supervision of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, while the 1st district of Negros Oriental are included in the area of operations of the 303rd Infantry Brigade.
Samson said the realignment of Army units came after the dismantling of all existing guerilla fronts in Negros Island.
But still, we can run after rebel remnants if they cross to Negros Oriental, Dumosmog said.
Six Army battalions in Negros Island Region are being supervised by the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades.
Aside from Army units tasked to run after rebel remnants, Dumosmog said they also have on standby their Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) units for disaster related activities.
On the other hand, Samson said they also have Quick Reaction Teams to assist the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections with regard to election related activities during the May 12 election period.
On Thursday, Samson was accompanied by Dumosmog in a courtesy visit to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.*
