79th Infantry Battalion returns to Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A stronger and better equipped 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion of the Philippine Army has returned to Negros Oriental to resume its duties to keep the peace, despite more peaceful and now “insurgency-free” areas of coverage.

On Wednesday morning, the more than 500-strong “Masaligan” battalion, led by its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harold Anthony Pascua, arrived at the Dumaguete airport after more than three months of training at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija province.

While away on the Battalion of Excellence Training, the 79th IB was temporarily replaced by the 20th IB, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ceballos, who also completed the same course previously. The 20th IB also left the province with the return of the 79th IB.

The welcome/send-off ceremony for the 79th IB and the 20th IB, respectively, was graced by Governor Roel Degamo who welcomed the returning troops and congratulated them for hurdling the rigorous training.

“I know that your training aims to strengthen and improve the battalion’s operational capability so you can effectively perform your duties especially in internal peace and security operations, but I hope that with the declaration of our province as conflict manageable and development ready, you will be able to use your newly-acquired expertise in a more peaceful way,” said Degamo.

Sometime in May, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have declared Negros Oriental as conflict manageable and development ready, which meant that the number of insurgents was reduced to an “insignificant level” and that development programs can now be carried out without fear of armed conflict.

“I have witnessed your programs and projects geared towards a more peaceful resolution of conflicts in the hinterlands, particularly the conduct of Bantay Bayanihan, Lakbay Aral of the young kids of our friends and fellow Negrenses living in far-flung areas, among others,” said the governor.

Degamo added: “These activities will continue and be expanded to reach more areas in the province in order for is to attain the total peace and development that we have so long hoped for.”

Colonel Allan Martin, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, the mother unit of the battalions in the province, disclosed Wednesday that, except for the 1st congressional district in Negros Oriental, the 2nd and 3rd districts no longer have armed insurgents, as per latest assessment.

The 79th IB’s area of coverage is the two insurgency-free districts and their role will be to ensure that members of the New People’s Army will not return here, said Martin.

The presence of the battalion in these areas will also bolster existing efforts to achieve lasting peace, which the governor lamented in his welcome message as an “elusive thing.”

Degamo further thanked the 20th IB for “making the province safe and secure during your 156 days of keeping command, displaying patriotism and exemplary service here since May 28 of this year.”

As he wished the 20th IB for a safe journey back to its original assignment in Samar, DegamoNEARLY A YEAR AFTER YOLANDA

Stench of bunker oil still bothers Iloilo brgy

Nearly a year after typhoon Yolanda devastated the Visayas, residents of a barangay in Estancia town of Iloilo province are still suffering from the stench of bunker oil that spilled from a barge damaged by the typhoon.

Many teachers and students in Botongon Elementary School in Barangay Botongon said they could not stand the stench of the oil, according to a report of The Daily Guardian on Thursday.

The school has sought help from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Health to address the problem.

Yolanda damaged a power barge owned by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management.

School teacher Beulah Coloso had to wear a facial mask to minimize the effects of the stench, the report said. She said the foul odor from the spilled oil remained even after the PCG claimed the coastline was cleared of debris and toxic fumes.

Coloso said they are more worried about the potential long-term effects of the fumes on people’s health. Worse, the spilled oil destroyed school properties including books and chairs, even as the report said PSALM has so far offered no help for the school. —GMA News told the troops, “Words simply cannot express our deep appreciation to all of you for keeping our people safe and sound.”

Martin added that nothing has been changed and, except for the swapping of the two battalions, the 79th IB soldiers will immediately be deployed to their headquarters in Siaton town and to their other previous assignments within their coverage area.  (FREEMAN)