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| 400 soldiers from the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion arrived in Calbayog City, Samar, on Dec. 11, 2022, to support 8ID's anti-insurgency campaign in Eastern Visayas. Photo: PA |
TACLOBAN CITY – Around 400 soldiers from the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion arrived in Calbayog City, Samar, on December 11, 2022, as part of an effort to bolster the 8th Infantry Division's (8ID) ongoing anti-insurgency campaign in Eastern Visayas. The battalion, led by Lt. Col. Ricarte Dayata, was welcomed by 8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Z. Ligayo.
"Remain alert and vigilant as you join our fight against the communist terrorists here in Eastern Visayas," Ligayo said during a welcome ceremony speech. "I trust that everyone remains mission-oriented and always respects human rights, adheres to the international humanitarian law and the rule of law as you proceed to your area of operations."
The 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, which previously participated in anti-insurgency efforts in the Caraga region of northeastern Mindanao, will be deployed to Northern Samar, where four Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) fronts are still active.
Prior to their deployment to Eastern Visayas, the Scout Rangers underwent retraining in Australia to improve their air-to-ground combat and small-unit operation capabilities.
The deployment of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion is part of the 8ID's ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and maintain peace and security in Eastern Visayas. The region has a history of insurgency and conflict, and the Philippine government has made efforts in recent years to address the issue and prevent the further spread of violence.