By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, recently revealed during a field visit to 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) headquarters, located in Barangay Tiling in Cauyan, Negros Occidental, the realignment of forces and operational boundaries for the two army brigades stations in Negros, which was made effective yesterday.
According to an order by 3rd Infantry Division commander, Major General Dinoh Dolina, the 303IB will now cover Negros Occidental’s first to fifth provincial districts; while the 302IB will be responsible for Negros Occidental’s sixth district and Negros Oriental’s second and third districts.
With regard to operational boundaries, 303IB cedes control over 15IB, which covers Negros Occidental’s sixth District, which will be handed over to 302IB. Likewise, 302IB turns over the operational control of 94th Infantry Battalion to 303IB, which adjusted its area of operation from the entirety of Negros Oriental to the province’s first district.
Arevalo said realignment is based on geography and threat considerations, which will further improve operational effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the 303IB commander also awarded a plaque of appreciation and letters of commendation to 15IB in recognition for outstanding service./DGB, WDJ