By Tara Yap

The Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) based in Miag-ao town, Iloilo province is set to augment government forces in Marawi City as they struggle to eliminate a terror group despite Martial Law.
Lieutenant Colonel Vener Morga, 82IB commander, said a total of 525 soldiers will be deployed to Marawi on June 17.
Aside from Iloilo province, some soldiers also hailed from other parts of Panay while there were some from Negros Island.
With the rising number of government forces killed in the war with the Maute terrorist group, Morga appealed for prayers for the conflict to end, so that 82IB soldiers can come back safely.
It is also crucial that 82IB soldiers return soonest. Morga explained their absence would mean that soldiers of 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) will have to cover peace and security measures in rural areas of four provinces of Panay Island—Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.
“Our soldiers here will be overstretched,” Morga added.
Meanwhile, Morga advised his troops to strictly follow operational procedures and refrain from making any unnecessary travel while in Marawi./WDJ