THE heroes’ party initially set today for soldiers based in Negros Occidental who fought the Islamic State-linked terrorists in Marawi City has been moved next week.
Captain Ruel Llanes, public information officer of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, said it was rescheduled since Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who will lead in giving the honors to the military, will travel to Japan Friday.
Llanes said the welcome party was reset to November 3. The governor is expected to return on November 2.
More than 70 soldiers from the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company of the 3rd Infantry Division returned to the province last Sunday after fighting the terrorists for almost five months.
There are still some, particularly from the 15th and 82nd Infantry Battalions, left in Marawi.
Llanes said there is no schedule yet of their return to the province.
Three soldiers from the 15th IB and three other Negrenses from the Army’s elite Scout Ranger unit were killed in action.
Major General Jon Aying, commander of 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz, said they have not monitored any terror threats in the Visayas, however, they remain on alert.
The public were also told to stay vigilant.
The Army is developing a peace and security resiliency infrastructure among the communities to stop terror threats.
They initiated dialogues with the grassroots, including the Muslim communities.
Aying said the communities are vulnerable to insurgency, terrorism, and illegal drugs.
On Wednesday, Aying met with some 200 members of the Muslim communities in Negros Occidental to tackle the peace and security resiliency infrastructure.
Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will be the acting governor starting today to ensure continuous delivery of public services.