BACOLOD CITY: Negros Occidental is awaiting the return of troops belonging to the 11th, 15th and 82nd Infantry Battalions (IBs) who were deployed to Zamboanga, Lanao del Norte and Marawi City. AdvertisementsGovernor Alfredo Maranon Jr. on Monday said that when he met with President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday he was assured of the troops’ return to Negros Island. Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd ID commanding general, said the communist New People’s Army took advantage of the troop pullout from Negros by consolidating their forces. At present, there are only two Army battalions assigned to Negros, compared to four in previous years, under the supervision of two infantry brigades. The Maute Group is affiliated with the IS.

Source: Manila Times October 24, 2017 14:48 UTC