More troops deployed to Sulu to fight ASG, local terrorist groups
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 02 Jun 2019 09:05:26 +0000
Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala has said the deployment of additional troops to Jolo, Sulu will greatly help in the military’s efforts to eradicate the Abu Sayyaf Group and other local terrorists groups.
Zagala made the remark after the Army 1st Brigade Combat Team was deployed to Sulu on board the Philippine Navy strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac last Friday at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.
The 1BCT will be under the command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command.
“The 1BCT’s deployment intends to help address the threat of local terrorist groups in the island as well as to fulfill the force requirements of the newly activated 11th Infantry ‘Alakdan’ Division,” Zagala said. “The men and women of the 1BCT will be deployed in Sulu to ensure peace and security which is not only felt in the island but also of the entire country as well,” he added.
Zagala commended troops comprising the 1BCT for going about their mission without much fanfare, an attitude, he said, they carry even beyond their service in the military.
Philippine Army chief of staff Major Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat said for years, their peacekeeping efforts have hindered terrorist groups from spreading more destruction beyond Sulu.
“But we should remain determined in sustaining our internal operations and safeguarding the security of our territories. Let us preserve our hard earned gains for the peace and development in the Mindanao region,” he said.
AFP spokesman Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo had earlier said the deployment of additional troops intends to add to the required personnel and equipment and fill up the newly created Army 11th Infantry Division.
He added that the deployment of the 1BCT forms part of the regular rotation of units and troops.
“The deployment is also meant to sustain the momentum and seize operational tempo to pursue the gains the AFP has attained in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group that has been sowing terror, death, and destruction in Sulu,” Arevalo said.
Arevalo said the deployment of a brigade size combat team is also meant to secure Muslim brothers and sisters in an environment of peace that will bring about development.
He said the AFP plans to fully complement the 11th ID with personnel and equipment by 2022. (Francis T. Wakefield)