THE Philippine Army in Western Visayas has newly-activated the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) on Wednesday, June 6, to augment the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) in Negros Occidental.

The new battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Ferrer is composed of 500 personnel who have successfully completed their organizational training designed for counter-insurgency operations and other trainings that will enhance their combat competency, a press release said.

Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the third Infantry Division (ID), during the send-off ceremony in Capiz Wednesday, June 6, reminded the troops to continue adhering to International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and Rule of Law as they perform their mandate of serving and securing the Negrenses.

"Always put the people's welfare at the center of your duties" Dolina said.

With the deployment of the 94th IB, Dolina said the Negros Island will now have four infantry battalions, including the 62nd IB based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, 79th IB based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, and 15th IB based in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

The 15th IB stationed in Mindanao has returned to Negros Island few months ago and is currently assigned in the southern part of the province.

It can be recalled that the 94th IB was formally activated by Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista last May 10 during the 44th founding anniversary celebration of the third ID at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. (GYM)