By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - After a four-year peacebuilding mission in Mindanao, the Philippine Army's 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB), formerly based in Arakan, North Cotabato, is now back with the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan, Samar.
The 19IB returned to its mother unit on Thursday (June 11) after being under the operational control of the 10th Infantry Division.
Their unit's departure from Mindanao was capped with a send-off ceremony at the Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City graced by the Eastern Mindanao Commander, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr, 10ID Commander, and 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Gabriel Viray III.
The troops led by Lt. Col. Jasper Justito Pecson were received by the 8ID in Calbayog City, Samar.
Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso, 8ID Commander, said that some members of the 19IB will be deployed to Samar to protect San Jorge, Gandara, and Matuguinao.
Before they were sent to Mindanao, the 19IB was previously based in Kananga, Leyte.
There are eight army battalions ensuring security on Samar Island.