Army's 7ID ready to deploy more forces to Marawi

FORT RAMON MAGSASAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija  -- The Philippine Army"s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) remains on standby mode for possible sending of troops in Marawi City, a ranking official said.

Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, commander of the 7ID, said they have already sent 100 soldiers from their 72nd division reconnaissance as soon as the war between government security forces and ISIS Maute Group broke out last month.

"Augmenting troops to operations like in Marawi is a function of an infantry division," de Leon said.

But, he said it will all defend on orders from the higher headquarters.

"The order for us is to be ready and alert," he said.

Last Friday, de Leon signed an agreement with Police Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, regional director of the Police Regional Office-3, for an stepped up coordination, particularly on exchange of intelligence information and capabilities in government's fight against illegal drugs and other crimes. (Marilyn Espiritu-Galang/PNA) posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News PH