More troopers deployed in Maguindanao

At least 43 commandos were killed in a “misencounter” between militants and government forces in Maguindanao on Sunday, January 25 (screenshot from Reuters footage)

MANILA — To ensure greater peace and security, troopers of the 34th Infantry Battalion was ordered deployed to Maguindanao and the nearby provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao Del Sur.

The unit was formally welcomed Saturday at 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Officers and enlisted troopers of the unit were formally welcomed by 6th Infantry Division assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Manolito Orense.

The 34th Infantry Battalion is a field unit of the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division.

It is commanded by Lt. Col. Edgar K. Delos Reyes.

The 34th Infantry Battalion will augment 6th Infantry Division efforts in maintaining peace and security in Maguindanao, parts of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao Del Sur.

The deployment marks the start of the holding phase wherein government forces will establish encampments in former lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in order to prevent armed lawless group from going back to said areas.

It will further pave the way for the implementation of various developmental projects in the different communities in the 6th Infantry Division’s area of operations.