The 303rd Infantry Brigade has deactivated the Task Force North, following the arrival of the 15th Infantry Battalion in northern Negros on Saturday.

Col. Honorato de los Reyes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commanding officer, however, said the Scout Rangers will remain in northern Negros, to assist the 15th IB in running after the armed insurgents.

Military records show the 15th IB recently completed a two-month retraining at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, before its deployment in Negros island.

The 79th Infantry Battalion also arrived in southern Negros two weeks ago, while the 302nd Infantry Brigade transferred its headquarters from Bohol to Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.

The arrival of two military units brought to four the number Army battalions in Negros island, including the 11th and 61st IBs, which will be placed under the supervision of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades.

The 15th and 79th IBs have about 1,000 personnel.  

De los Reyes earlier advised the newly-arrived soldiers in Negros to maintain discipline, be role models of the Philippine Army and be security conscious, as he stressed the need for the utmost respect for human rights.

The 15th IB will have its main headquarters in Brgy. Luna, Sagay City.De los Reyes said the arrival of more troops in Negros will hasten the clearing of insurgency-affected areas, and the dismantling of four guerilla fronts in the island, as much as possible by the end of the year.*GPB

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