2 Army battalions readied for Mindanao

Two army battalions from Central Command are being alerted for possible deployment for election duties in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The 78th Infantry Battalion assigned in Cebu led by Lt. Col. Raymundo Bañares and the 46th Infantry Battalion assigned in Samar led by Lt. Col. Bonifacio Cebrian were among those ordered by the Philippine Army national headquarters for deployment according to Central Command spokesman Maj. Christian Tampus.

Tampus said in a telephone interview with The FREEMAN that the orders for deployment did not specify a date but right now they are already making preparations and contingency plans for replacement units in areas these battalions will be leaving.

“We are making some plans.  We might be sending these battalions for election duties in the ARMM elections.  But we assure the public that we are not leaving Cebu without contingency plans because we’ll be placing replacement units in the area,” Tampus said.

According to Tampus, there will be enough troops and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit personnel to maintain security against insurgents.

He however refused to comment on the issue that apart from election duties the purpose of the deployment is connected to the failed signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malaysia after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the exchange of land for peace. — Edwin Ian Melecio with Garry B. Lao/BRP