LEGAZPI CITY — Military and police authorities in Bicol welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to deploy additional troops in the region to quell lawless violence and the decades-old insurgency problem.
Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th Infantry Division public affairs chief, said the deployment of additional troops to Bicol is a welcome development in reinforcing Army troops currently assigned in three Bicol provinces.
Pramis said the additional troops would intensify their capability to address lawless violence and insurgency; and enhance the Army’s security program since they will reinforce the Army Brigade unit in Albay, including three battalions that were recently sent as augmentation force to Mindanao
“We are just waiting for the operational directive from our general headquarters,” he said.
Aside from the additional troops’ deployment, the Division has recently enlisted 274 new recruits.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police in Bicol said the deployment would further boost the campaign against all forms of criminality and promote peace and order in the region.
Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson, said in a statement that the PNP welcomes the deployment of additional troops as it will enhance the PNPs’ campaign against criminal and lawless elements in the region.
