82IB returns to Cebu to boost campaign vs CTGs in Central Visayas

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) Battalion was redeployed to Barangay Nangka, Balamban, Cebu to intensify the campaign efforts against the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group in the Central Visayas area and the troops were formally welcomed through a ceremony led by Major General Eric Vinoya, Commander, 3ID on May 26.

MGen Vinoya welcomed the soldiers of 82IB as they return to their mother unit bringing with them another mission to dismantle the remaining CTGs in the provinces of Cebu and Siquijor.

The Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines requested the redeployment of 82IB back to the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division area of operation to augment in the clearing and dismantling of the remaining Guerilla Fronts (GF) and to address the gap and security vacuum, particularly in Cebu Island.

“With the additional number of soldiers to augment in Cebu and Siquijor, we assure the peace-loving people of these provinces that their Army in Central and Western Visayas will not stop its fight until they attain an NPA-free community,” Vinoya said.

Bantay Laya Troopers arrived in Cebu by batches starting in early May and underwent a 14-day quarantine period.  The welcome ceremony also signaled the start of their refresher training course to accomplish its new mission effectively.

The 82IB was previously based in Miag-ao, Iloilo, was deployed to Mindanao, as one of the follow-on forces to augment the fighting units of Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) during the Marawi Siege.

They replaced the Bravo Company of 47IB in Cebu and Siquijor Islands as their new area of operations while the latter was transferred to Bohol Island to fast-track the clearing and dismantling of (BPC) Komiteng Rehiyon Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR NCBS).

In addition, the 82IB was placed under the operational control of Task Group Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor (TG-CBS) to address the Internal and Security Operations (ISO) and sustainment efforts in those Islands. (Photos: PA Spearhead Troopers)