Army battalion deployed in Eastern Visayas

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines —The Army’s 4th Scout Ranger Battalion was deployed to Eastern Visayas on Sunday to help in the campaign against communist insurgency.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, 8th Infantry Division commander, said the soldiers had just arrived from a training in Australia to enhance their capability in air-to-ground combat and small unit operations.

Ligayo said the battalion made significant accomplishments against communist rebels in Caraga.

He said the soldiers also fought against members of the Maute terrorist group in Marawi in 2017 and Moro National Liberation Front members during the Zamboanga siege in 2013. They also participated in a counterterrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in 2015.

Ligayo said the battalion would be placed under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Storm.

“The addition of this elite force of the Philippine Army manifests the sincerity of the government to eradicate the over 50 years menace of the communists in Region 8,” he said.

“I am grateful to the higher headquarters for sending one of the finest battalions from our elite force to augment our forces here in Eastern Visayas,” Ligayo added.