THE Philippine Army (PA) will maintain its current troop deployment in Basilan province, even after the area was officially declared clear of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
“It will remain because we still have this role to be able to sustain the peace which is very important, sustaining the peace and making sure development will flow in that area. So confidence-building is now on the works,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said during a media briefing at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Currently, around six Army battalions remain stationed in Basilan, Galido disclosed.
He added that the ASG’s presence on the island has reduced to a “very minimal” level.
