THE Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division sent another 400 additional forces to Western Mindanao to increase the ongoing military offensive operation against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group on Tuesday.
Major General Rafael Valencia, 10th ID commander, said in an interview after the send off ceremony at Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 11 that this is the third time the division sent additional forces to Western Mindanao Command.
Valencia said the division first sent troops from the 69th Infantry Battalion followed by Second Scout Ranger Battalion in August and the 68th Infantry Battalion on Tuesday.
Valencia added that they have sent around 1,200 forces to Western Mindanao.
"So far, wala naman akong narinig na napasabak na yung naunang troops sa bakbakan. But they are already in Sulu," Valencia said, adding the 68th IB troops boarded a C-130 plane that deployed them to Basilan.
Valencia said the 68th IB is based in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte and San Fernando town in Bukidnon province and will be replaced by the 63rd and 84th battalions.
"We are adjusting in providing security measures in our areas of responsibility (AOR). But rest assured this would not affect the efforts of the troops in ensuring the safety of the people in the AOR of the 10th Infantry Division," Valencia added.
Valencia said with the declaration of the ceasefire between the Philippine government and the communist group, the military could now focus more on the anti-terrorism campaign, although they are still monitoring its respective AOR.
Valencia said they have already maximized their forces, intensified random checkpoints and intelligence on urban and rural centers and their effort is really target hardening.
Five battalions, two from the 4th Infantry Division and three from the 10th Infantry Division, under the directive of the Eastern Mindanao Command, had been sent to Western Mindanao in combat against the terrorist.
President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his directive to the troops to destroy the ASG during his press conference in Davao City last month.
