PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

10TH INFANTRY (AGILA) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City
Landline No: (082) 235-1041

Press Release October 3, 2010

701st Infantry Brigade arrives Davao Region

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army received on Saturday

afternoon, October 2, 2010, the arrival of additional troops from Central Luzon. The
augmentation unit is expected to boost the operational capability of the Army
Division addressing the insurgents in Southern Mindanao Region.

The 701st Infantry Brigade came all the way from Burgos, Tarlac to its new
workplace in Davao Region. Known for its success in counterinsurgency operations,
the Brigade under Colonel Leonido Bongcawil will provide command and control on
existing army battalions deployed in one of the provinces in Davao Region.

Davao Region is considered to be the national priority area by the Army

leadership. Statistics will say that while the strength of the insurgents in Davao
Region for the past years is on a decline, success of the counterinsurgency
operations in other regions like Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Central
Visayas is more tangible and visible with the decreasing atrocities attributed to the
New People’s Army.

Major General Jorge B Segovia, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division,

Philippine Army, stated that the arrival of the 701st Infantry Brigade Headquarters will
mean an additional impetus for the improvement of the strategy being employed by
the Agila Division against the insurgents in its area of responsibility. He also
emphasized that the hallmark of the Division’s counterinsurgency operations is the
implementation of the peace and development outreach program (PDOP) which in
the past two months has already gained ground with the surrender of at least five
NPA members. The support and cooperation of the people also enabled the
government forces to flush out armed elements of the CPP/NPA and thwart their
hostile plans.

“The arrival of the 701st Infantry Brigade” does not necessarily mean
additional troops to run after the insurgents. It will translate to more effective and
efficient management of troops deployed for the implementation of peace and
development outreach programs,” Major General Segovia said during the simple
welcome ceremony held inside Naval Station Felix Apolinario.

Before their deployment, personnel of the 701st Infantry Brigade were briefed
by 10ID General Staff about the security situation in the area. They will undergo
orientation seminars on the customs and traditions of the people in Davao Region.

Colonel Bongcawil expressed his enthusiasm in working under the 10th

Infantry Division and in partnership with the local government units and other
stakeholders in the area. He said, “It is a great privilege for us to be deployed in
Davao and serve its people.” “We will do our best to share our best practices and
success stories and contribute in solving the insurgency problem that has been
plaguing Davao Region for more than 40 years now,” he added.

Released by:

LTC MEDEL M AGUILAR PA

Public Information Officer
Email add: dpao10id@yahoo.com