New army battalion to step up counter-insurgency drive in Panay
The newest unit of the Philippine Army, the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB), was formally activated in a simple ceremony Monday morning in Camp Macario V. Peralta Grandstand, Jamindan, Capiz. Lt. Gen Delfin N. Bangit, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, presided the ceremony.
Composed of 23 officers and 349 enlisted personnel, the 82IB is being lead by Lt. Col. George Joel N. Lalaquil. Aptly choosing the name “Bantaylaya”, the 82IB is charged with supporting the internal security operation (ISO) efforts in Panay by safeguarding the freedoms of its citizens from threats of insurgency. After finishing their pre-deployment training in Camp Peralta, they will be based in Camp Monteclaro, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
The 82IB is one of three new battalions being activated by the Army. 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion under the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division in Central Luzon was activated last 22 May 2009. The 83rd Infantry Battalion under the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division in Bicol is yet to be activated.
“We are very fortunate that the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division was chosen to organize this new battalion. This will truly step-up our counter-insurgency efforts in Panay,” said Major Gen. Vicente Porto, the commander of the 3ID.
The 82IB was organized using the three Division Reconnaissance Companies and the Headquarters service Battalion of the Command. Consequently an additional recruitment of 200 candidate soldiers will be opened to replenish the loss of manpower by this month’s end.
As part of his remarks, the Guest of Honor and Presiding Officer of the Formal Unit Activation Ceremony, Lt. Gen. Bangit, expressed that the Philippine Army has high expectations of the 82IB and challenged them that he will not hesitate to promote on the spot, those troops from this unit, who excel in the performance of their mission. “The ball is now in your court,” he added.
When asked about his plans as the Battalion Commander of the new Bantaylaya battalion, Lt. Col. Lalaquil told reporters that his marching orders were to organize, administer, and train his men to act as a unit. He added that “it is a tough challenge because the unit is still in its infancy.” However, he further added, that he and his officers are up to the challenge of making a name for the 82IB.
Lt. Col. hails from Pangasinan and is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Makatao" Class 1989. Prior to his assignment as the first Battalion Comander of 82IB he was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations (CMO) of the 3ID. (3ID PIO)