Army deploys additional battalion to Surigao del Sur

The Philippine Army has deployed an additional battalion to Surigao del Sur amid pressing concerns on the insurgency situation.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the 16th Infantry Battalion led by Ltc. Andres Ferrer was previously stationed in Oriental Mindoro before it was moved to Surigao del Sur.

He said the additional battalion was a request from the local government.

The battalion, which is composed of about 500 soldiers, arrived via C130 in Cagayan de Oro before being transported to Surigao del Sur on Wednesday afternoon.

There are now four Army battalions in the province.

“Surigao del Sur is one of the national priority areas as far as insurgency situation is concerned,” Martinez said.

He said according to Gov. Johnny Pimentel, the deployment was “an answered prayer” to their request of additional troops.

Among the rising concerns in the province are the presence of the New People’s Army and the situation of the lumad (indigenous people).

Thousands have been affected because of the fighting between the military and the insurgents. RC