2nd batch of fresh troops arrive in Davao region
Troops of 84IB disembark from Philippine Navy Ships in Madaum, Tagum
City
Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza (center) together with LGU officials of Davao
del Norte and ComVal; and other AFP officers welcome the arrival of
troops of 84IB
Camp Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City - Another batch of fresh
troops from Luzon arrived in Davao region 6:00 AM Friday following the
series of attacks by New People's Army against the people and vital
infrastructures in different parts of the Davao region.
The 84th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Kurt Decapia arrived at Hijo
beach in Madaum, Tagum City ferried by Navy ships direct from Manila to
augment troops currently guarding vital infrastructure projects being
attacked by the NPAs. The new troops are also posed to conduct hot
pursuit operation against NPA terrorists responsible in the Maragusan
massarce where five individuals were killed and 12 others were wounded.
Part of the troops will also be utilized on a mission to rescue four
government troops being held hostage by the NPA in Compostela Valley (ComVal)
province.
Local government officials led by Davao del Norte Vice Governor Voctorio
Suaybaguio welcomed the arrival of the troops in a simple ceremony held
9:00 AM of the same day.
The past weeks have been glum for the people of Davao region as NPAs
stepped-up their attacks against government infrastructures, civilians
and unarmed government troops in what authorities call "a ploy to cover
their big time loss in the recent elections".
It may be recalled that kidnappings have been committed largely by the
NPA victimizing unarmed government troops, candidates and public
officials. Many innocent civilians have also been victims of NPA
authored killings and bombs were also being planted by this group on
roads and bridges. Two days ago, a government trooper was killed in a
bomb planted by NPAs along the road in Mawab town in ComVal.
Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry
Division immediately outlined the mission of the new troops in light of
the crimes perpetrated by the NPA. "Our paramount concern is the
protection of innocent people being killed and kidnapped by these
criminals. We will safeguard ongoing vital infrastructures in the region
which are being sabotaged by these anti-development and anti-progress
bandits. Their crimes will not go on unpunished. As the true soldiers of
the people, we will abide by the clamor of our citizens to bring these
murderers, kidnappers and bandits to justice. It is our sworn duty to
protect our people and bring stability in this region." Holganza said.
Barely a week ago, the 71st Infantry Battalion also arrived in Davao
region to augment troops guarding infrastructure projects of the
government. Units from Special Forces and Scout Ranger together with
Engineer, Medical and Civil Military Operations units are also arriving
one by one from different parts of Mindanao to help in peace and
development efforts and community outreach programs in the region.
"We assure our people that the arrival of new troops will not mean war
but enhanced security measures to protect them. We have to put these
criminals behind bars. Our troops will work extra hard to ensure that
peace and development efforts will be protected and that the rights of
the people will be respected at all times." Holganza concluded.
Davao region is one of the national priority areas in the country due to
the presence of NPA bandits actively terrorizing people and extorting
money from businesses and ordinary citizens.
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