82nd Infantry Battalion ready for deployment in Panay
The newly organized 82nd (Bantay-Laya) Infantry Battalion (82IB) has already completed six weeks of intensive training in preparation for their eventual deployment in southern and eastern Panay.
Composed of 23 officers and 394 enlisted personnel, the 82IB is under the capable leadership of Lt. Col. George Joel N. Lalaquil. Aptly choosing the name “Bantay-Laya”, the 82IB is charged with supporting the ISO efforts in Panay and safeguarding the freedoms of its citizens from threats of insurgency.
In a simple ceremony held in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, the 82IB showcased their military skills and training by reenacting platoon battle drills and movement techniques much to the delight of the invited guests and military dependents.
Their pre-deployment training course was lauded a success by the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Vicente M. Porto. In his message to the 82IB, Maj. Gen. Porto referred to the 82IB as “Ambassadors of Stability” and left them with the following mandates: To help totally eradicate the Communist Terrorist threat of Kilusang Rehiyon Panay, to secure their areas of responsibility so that socio-economic development can proceed unhampered, and to help maintain peace in order in Panay so that people can go about their ordinary business without fear. In Maj. Gen. Porto’s words, “ang trabaho ng Bantay-Laya Battalion ay higit pa sa pakikidigma, dahil sila ang ating mga ambassadors of stability.”
The 82IB was organized using the three Division Reconnaissance companies and the Headquarters service Battalion of the Command.
Lt. Col. Lalaquil told reporters that his unit will hit the ground running. He added that the Bantay-Laya battalion is “well-trained, well-equipped, well-motivated, and well-prepared for any challenges in the pursuance of their mandate.” The 82IB will be under the operational control of Col. Gerry Layug’s 301st Infantry Brigade and will be basing its headquarters in Camp Monteclaro, Miagao, Iloilo.