New infantry division to help beat Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — The military Western Mindanao Command has gained new troops in its fight against the Abu Sayyaf with President Rodrigo Duterte's activation of a new Army division in Sulu, an official said.

President Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, led the activation of the 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ (Scorpiion) Division at Camp Teodulfo Baustista, headquarters of Joint Task Force Sulu in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, said Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom spokesperson. 

The president, in his speech at the activation of the new division, said that government does not want to be at war with its own people.

“Nobody wants this war. I hate it. I do not want to kill fellow Filipinos. I do not want government killing its own citizens,” Besana quoted Duterte as saying.

Besana said the new division will he headed by Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo.

Pabayo is currently the commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, which has been operating against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

Units in new division

Besana said some of units from the 1st Infantry 'Tabak' Division based in the Zamboanga Peninsula were reassigned to the 11th ID.

Among the unit assigned was 101st Infantry Brigade, 11th Military Intelligence Company, 1st Intelligence Battalion, and 1st Civil Military Operations battalion.

He said the Philippine Army leadership has also reassigned the units of 101st Brigade, 32nd Infantry Battalion, and 35th Infantry Brigade and the attached units of the 5th Infantry Division, which include the 501st Brigade and the 21st and 41st infantry battalions.

Besana said there was no movement of troops anymore since the units that were reassigned are currently based already in Sulu and working under Joint Task Force Sulu.

“Yes, we have enough forces and we are confident. What we are doing is enhancing the organizational setup,” Besana said.

“The setup will be much better to address the problem about the scourge of the Abu Sayyaf. As to the number we have enough numbers (of troops),” Besana added.