By: Recto I. Vidal
Amid reports that the AFP Central Command (Centcom) plans to pull out its army troops stationed in Boracay Island, the 3rd Infantry Infantry Division maintains its stand that it will not lower its guard down in the country's premier resort.
This developed after Major Lyndon Sollesta, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, disclosed that a platoon of soldiers belonging to the Army's 47th Infantry Battalion and forming part of Boracay Security Task Force is earmarked for deployment to insurgency areas as deemed necessary by CENTCOM.
"The tactical intention of this action was impressive, however its economic repercussions might be disturbing. Boracay caters to about 330,000 tourists that visit the country per year and earns tourist receipts of about P7.8 billion," Sollesta told newspersons here during media interviews.
He said that with the recent developments, wherein terrorist groups are again on the warpath and coming up with bold and violent actions, the 3ID under the leadership of Major General Alphonsus Crucero will not jeopardize the security of the premier tourist island.
This is also in adherence to the Presidential directive issued to ensure the safety and security of the local and foreign tourists that frequent the area, Sollesta emphasized.
"Terrorism recognizes no boundaries like the proverbial Sword of Damocles one would not know when it will strike. The recent bombings in Basilan of M/V Ramona that led to the wounding of innocent civilians can attest to the fact that it was a product of a well planned, sinister and meticulous plot to create a dent to the reputation of the government and the military-as protectors of the people," Sollesta said.
Further, he bared the pull out will not give a considerable gain on the physical number of soldiers necessary for the operational requirements of Task Force Panay.
"The TFP with its operationally controlled tactical units, the 12th Infantry Battalion, 47th Infantry Battalion and three reconnaissance companies has enough troops to address the insurgency situation in the island," Sollesta assured.
The provincial government of Aklan leads its constituents in denouncing the haphazard move to pull out troops by higher command without due consideration to the sentiments of the local residents and its deleterious effect to the security of the island, Sollesta added in his press statement issued to media persons here in Kalibo, Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
Amid reports that the AFP Central Command (Centcom) plans to pull out its army troops stationed in Boracay Island, the 3rd Infantry Infantry Division maintains its stand that it will not lower its guard down in the country's premier resort.
This developed after Major Lyndon Sollesta, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, disclosed that a platoon of soldiers belonging to the Army's 47th Infantry Battalion and forming part of Boracay Security Task Force is earmarked for deployment to insurgency areas as deemed necessary by CENTCOM.
"The tactical intention of this action was impressive, however its economic repercussions might be disturbing. Boracay caters to about 330,000 tourists that visit the country per year and earns tourist receipts of about P7.8 billion," Sollesta told newspersons here during media interviews.
He said that with the recent developments, wherein terrorist groups are again on the warpath and coming up with bold and violent actions, the 3ID under the leadership of Major General Alphonsus Crucero will not jeopardize the security of the premier tourist island.
This is also in adherence to the Presidential directive issued to ensure the safety and security of the local and foreign tourists that frequent the area, Sollesta emphasized.
"Terrorism recognizes no boundaries like the proverbial Sword of Damocles one would not know when it will strike. The recent bombings in Basilan of M/V Ramona that led to the wounding of innocent civilians can attest to the fact that it was a product of a well planned, sinister and meticulous plot to create a dent to the reputation of the government and the military-as protectors of the people," Sollesta said.
Further, he bared the pull out will not give a considerable gain on the physical number of soldiers necessary for the operational requirements of Task Force Panay.
"The TFP with its operationally controlled tactical units, the 12th Infantry Battalion, 47th Infantry Battalion and three reconnaissance companies has enough troops to address the insurgency situation in the island," Sollesta assured.
The provincial government of Aklan leads its constituents in denouncing the haphazard move to pull out troops by higher command without due consideration to the sentiments of the local residents and its deleterious effect to the security of the island, Sollesta added in his press statement issued to media persons here in Kalibo, Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
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