CATBALOGAN CITY – Additional troops from the 4th Scout Ranger “Masigasig” Battalion (4SRBn) were deployed to the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) this week.
Accordingly, the 21st Scout Ranger Company (SRC) troopers will be placed under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Storm to help in Ending Local Communist and Armed Conflict in Eastern Visayas.
The 21st SRC, as one of the elite forces in the AFP, will be deployed in Northern Samar, one of the strongholds of the terrorist group in the region since they are best trained and suited for the task of ending the decades-long insurgency.
Before their transfer, the 21st SRC made significant accomplishments against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) operating in Paquibato District in Davao. They also played a significant role in the four-month-long battle against the ISIS-Maute Group in Marawi City.
Prior to their deployment to Eastern Visayas, the 21st SRC underwent training both locally and abroad to further enhance their capability in counter-insurgency operations.
Major General Camilo Ligayo, 8ID Commander, said that the deployment of the 21st SRC in the region will be a game changer in the overall campaign of the 8ID.
“Truly, it is an overwhelming feeling how the higher headquarters manifest their support to the division’s campaign by sending the elite forces to augment our troops deployed on this island,” said Ligayo.
“With their vast experiences, I am confident that with these advantages, we will be victorious in this battle,” he added.
Despite the success in combat operations from their previous assignments, Ligayo urged the troops not to be complacent and remain vigilant since they will be confronting the CTGs in this last bastion of insurgency. “I trust that everyone remains mission-oriented and always respects human rights, adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law as you proceed to your area of operations,” Ligayo told the troops. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail Feb. 20-26, 2023 issue)
