AFTER the clearing operation in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is keen on pursuing the remnants of terrorist groups in Central Mindanao and thus will be getting two more battalions.
AFP chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero on Wednesday, November 15, said during the change of command ceremony at Eastern Mindanao that AFP-wide, they have already organized 10 battalions to be deployed in different areas in the country and two of this are in Eastern Mindanao namely the 88th and 89th Infantry Battalion (IB) to give focus on combating threats of terrorism.
"Yung next phase ng ating campaign, which is after ng clearing ng Marawi, is to continue going after ng mga remnants ng terrorist groups sa Central Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu," he said, adding that these are areas where the Abu Sayaff Group started.
They will also focus on flushing out the communist rebels and addressing insurgency problem in Eastern Mindanao, adding that there is a need to generate more battalions to meet their goals.
"If you recall when I was the commander of Eastern Mindanao I already petitioned for the return of several battalions meron na tayong dumating two battalions and organized two additional battalions 88th and 89th IB," he added.
He also said the situation in Marawi City is winding down and they continue with their post-conflict assessment along with other agencies.
"We will be reassessing yung ating campaign against the Maute-ISIS and probably that would entail realignment of battalions," he said.
Davao region, he said, remains a priority with insurgency problems in Davao City. Bukidnon and Agusan and North Cotabato and Western Mindanao are also under close monitoring.