Definitely, Negros will have additional troops by early next year, according to Col. Benedict Arevalo. He said, this was learned during their command conference at the headquarters of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz the other day.
According to Arevalo, the addition of troops to Negros is pursuant to Memorandum Order Number 32 of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, based on the assessment of Central Command. Recently, additional troops were already sent to Bicol and Samar. So by early 2019, Negros follows. As to the size and time of arrival of the additional troops, Arevalo said, he has no idea yet.
Regarding the soldiers’ Christmas and New Year breaks to be with their respective family, Col. Arevalo also said, they allow it but should be alert around their areas of responsibility to maintain peace and order, as well as security of the people and country against harassment of threat groups.*(Edith B. Colmo/NDB).