Davao provinces top “priority area list”
By Mai Gevera
Davao City (27 October) -- Various provinces in Davao region are now the second priority of the Philippine Government and will be given strict attention in addressing terrorism .
Tenth Infantry Division Commander Ernesto Boac bared that his division is pursuing a training program in identifying priority towns and coming up with competent operations.
He cited President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive of authorizing 90 additional CAFGU companies in priority areas nationwide.
“ The Davao provinces are the second priority after Southern and Central Luzon along with the Caraga Region," Boac said in yesterday’s press conference.
The 10th ID is also expected to benefit from the President’s directive of putting in additional 3,000 troops for the Philippine Army.
The said division is targeting 15 guerilla fronts which is expected to be totally cleared by year 2010.
“ This early, we have been targeting 4 guerilla fronts as our short term goal which I believe is attainable since we have already started gaining grounds especially in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte Provinces," Boac said.
The nine other fronts which are still part of the division’s medium-term goal are scheduled on 2008 onwards.
Meanwhile, Boac claimed that battalions have now become more dedicated in addressing the problem on terrorism. (PIA) [top]