Arevalo visits new battalion in Negros

FOLLOWING the realignment of forces and operational boundaries of the two Army Infantry Brigades in Negros, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander visited the troops of 94th Infantry Battalion, in its headquarters in Brgy McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

“I am happy to finally meet and receive 94IB as the newest battalion of 303rd Infantry Brigade in the fight against the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF,” said Arevalo.

The 94th “Mandirigma“ Infantry Battalion is a newly organized battalion of 3rd Infantry Division which was activated by former Commanding General of Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista (Retired) last May 4, 2018. Prior to the realignment of forces and operational boundaries, 94IB was previously under the control of 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga.

The battalion was responsible for the security of the entire Negros Oriental. And now, 94IB adjusted its jurisdiction to the 1st district of Negros Oriental only.

Arevalo who was assigned in said station when he was a captain, was received by Lieutenant Colonel Randy Pagunuran, Battalion Commander, 94IB together with other officers of said battalion.

“But even before the battalion was placed under 303rd Brigade, 94IB was already a significant contributor in the Brigade’s mission accomplishment. I want to thank 94IB for its contribution in the success of the overall campaign of the Army in Negros. It is very important that 94IB accomplishes its tasks in Negros Oriental in order for the other battalions - 15IB, 62IB and 79IB, to make Negros Occidental peaceful," Arevalo added.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade now covers the 1st to 5th Districts of Negros Occidental and 1st District of Negros Oriental with three battalions--the 62IB, 79IB and 94IB, with the rest of Negros under 302nd Infantry Brigade.