DUMAGUETE City – Army units in Negros Island will be realigning themselves in early June according to the political divide of the two provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental for a smoother coordination with local governments in the fight against insurgency.

Col. Manuel Luis Ochotorena, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, said the shift in administrative and operational controls of the Philippine Army battalions will take effect by June 9.

The move was already approved by the Philippine Army’s hierarchy, he said.

Under the current set up, the 302nd brigade and the 303rd brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, have battalions deployed to both provinces, making it difficult for them to be talking to civil, military and police authorities from different regions.

Negros Occidental belongs to Region 6 while Negros Oriental is part of Region 7, Ochotorena pointed out.

The 302nd Brigade has for its area of coverage the southern half of Negros, with the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) assigned in the Oriental side and the 61st IB based in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade, headed by Col. Maximo Caro, meanwhile, has under its control the 11th IB based in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental and the 62nd IB based in Sagay, Negros Occidental.

Once the realignment takes place, the 61st IB shall be placed under the control of the 303rd brigade while the 11th IB under the 302nd brigade.

The 1st Scout Ranger Company based in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental shall also be under the operational control of the 302nd brigade although the elite unit will still maintain its primary role as rapid deployment forces across the island, Ochotorena said. (PNA)