CATBALOGAN CITY – A company of elite Scout Rangers who saw in action in the Battle for Marawi in 2017 was deployed in Eastern Visayas to combat the New People’s Army.
These additional troops from the 4th Scout Ranger "Masigasig" Battalion (4SRBn) were deployed to the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division (ID) last week.
The 21st Scout Ranger Company (SRC) troopers will be placed under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Storm to help in ending the insurgency in the region.
The 21st SRC, one of the elite forces in the AFP, will be deployed in Northern Samar, one of the strongholds of the NPA 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 NPA operating in Paquibato District in Davao City.
They also played a significant role in the four-month-long battle against the Islamic State-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 to counter-insurgency operations.
Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, 8th Infantry Division commander, said that the deployment of the 21st SRC in the region will be a game changer in the overall campaign of the 8th ID.
"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."
"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 in their previous assignments, Ligayo urged the troops not to be complacent and remain vigilant since they will be confronting the NPA 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 said.