The integration of three Scout Ranger companies in Negros and Panay into one battalion has nothing to do with the attempt to recruit them into joining a coup de etat.

This assurance was made last night by Brig. Gen. Jogy Leo Fojas, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Col. Gregorio Fajardo, Task Force Panay head, in the wake of admission of Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Scout Ranger Regiment commander, that there were attempts to recruit some of his men around the country to destabilize the government. The 1st Scout Ranger Company headed by 1 Lt. Stephen Encarnacion left Negros yesterday for redeployment to Panay.

Fojas explained that the transfer of 1st SRC to Panay is aimed at unifying the command of 1st Scout Ranger Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Noel Buan.

At present there are two SR companies in Panay with an estimated 180 personnel, which serve as the striking force of Task Force Panay.

Fajardo told the DAILY STAR that the Scout Ranger officers in Panay told him that nobody has attempted to recruit them to destabilize the government.

Lim, who was among the military officers who participated in the 1989 coup attempt, said all SR units nationwide remained intact, no one was Absent Without Leave and that they are solidly behind the administration of President Arroyo.

The 1st SRC, which left Negros, will be replaced by the 33rd Reconnaissance Company, which is expected to arrive tonight in Bacolod City.

The search for the five renegade military officers who escaped from their detention cells, has been expanded from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao.*GPB

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