Troops of 83DRC encounters CTs

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Troops of 83rd Division Reconnaissance Company encountered more or less five communist terrorists at the vicinity of Brgy Pagsanghan, Paranas, Samar this morning at 10:45 am.

Report reaching this headquarters disclosed that while the troops under Lt Escolano conducting combat operation in the said area encountered more or less five fully armed communist terrorists at the vicinity of Brgy Pagsanghan, Paranas, Samar. Said fireflight lasted 20 minutes after which the enemy withdrew towards northwest direction.

Troops recovered in the said encounter three “taffeta” jogging pants and three T-shirts with no casualty on government side while undetermined on the enemy side.

Major General Mario Chan lauded his troops for exerting every effort and dedicating their lives in the accomplishment of their task.

Meanwhile, Commander of 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army assured that the 8ID will continue to assist the PNP to prevent any violence happen and keep on searching fully armed communist terrorist roaming around for this coming local election. ###

8ID condemns NPA’s serious attempt to stop development in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar - The recent claim of the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) labeling the partnership of the local government of Samar along with Army’s 8^th Infantry Division and US government Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for development as “militarization” is a clear attempt to hinder development in the island of Samar.

Mr. Santiago Salas, the dismissed priest turned spokesman of the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in Eastern Visayas kept on barking the development assistance of the 8ID to be “militarization” which is a usual tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF to create wedges between the collaboration of stakeholders and the soldiers in the area.

“Militarization” is described when there is a pursuit of military aims with a strong influence of military government and the government policy is invested in the military”. This is not what is happening here in Eastern Visayas.

What the 8ID is doing in partnership with the local leaders of the three provinces is the conduct of routine security operations in order to preempt the enemy’s illegal activities such as liquidation, extortion and brutal violation of human rights that sow terror in the local communities which definitely hinders the desired development particularly in the countryside.

The decision of the MCC to partner with other relevant stakeholders such as the local government to ultimately realize its cause to bring-forth development in Samar is an intelligent choice because development could never be attained with the absence of harmony. More so, peace and security is an essential pre-requisite to attain development.

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The MCC compact project provides funds amounting to $214.4 million to construct and repair 220 kilometers of Samar Road. This road, which passes through 15 municipalities, will improve access to markets and services for farmers, fishers, and small businesses in some of the poorest provinces in the island that will greatly improve the lives of our people.

Who among our people is not favor for these projects? Who among our people still wants to remain stagnant to their barrios without any dreams to be progressive someday? And who among our people does not want to be progressive and competitive not only in their neighboring barrios or towns but to the other nation as well?

The answer is obvious, only the CPP-NPA-NDF desires that the people and our country to remain impoverished and poor. Why? Because when people progresses, all propaganda lines and issues that they frequently recycle to brainwash these people will be proven to be lies.

Summary executions, tortures, harassment, indiscriminate firing, robbery, destruction of property and other human rights violations are all activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF that they finger pointed to be allegedly being practiced by the soldiers.

Who will forget the so called “Catarman incident” where eight (8) policemen were mercilessly killed last August 21, 2010?

The “Matuguinao massacre” that robbed two (2) lives and left one (1) in a critical condition last March 21, 2010? In this incident, Mylene dela Cruz who endured gun shots at her right leg and still under medication through the assistance of the 8ID. Also, the killing of an innocent farmer known as Arman Diaz of Brgy Madoroto of same municipality who was mercilessly slain by the terrorist in front of his children and wife and afterwards dragged and exhibited at the center of barangay plaza last February?

The torture of Luis Durico, brgy Chairman of Genaronagan, Lope de Vega in Northern Samar and was also brutally slaughtered by the terrorist with his body also dragged at the center of brgy and beheaded in front of family and constituents in March 2010?

The nation-wide anti-DPA campaign named “Oplan Ahos-Zombie”, “Operation Missing Link”, “Kadena de Amor, “Takip Silim, “Purga” and “Paglilinis-hanay”; Digos Massacre, use of landmines and countless burning of buses, destruction of cell sites, extortion, permit-to-campaign fees, etc. are all perpetrated by these organization.

These inhumane, barbaric and animalistic acts of NPA in terrorizing the civilians are already well known tricks of soliciting support, following the Sun Tzu’s dictum, “Kill one to terrorize one thousand”.

History speaks that countless violation of human rights were recorded but as if the NDF who shouts for a genuine human rights were voiceless and effortless.

Meanwhile, the 8ID as well as the Army units in the area remain steadfast in their mandated mission and continuously upholding the programs that promotes peace and development.

Major General Mario Chan, the 8ID’s commander assured the public that the forthcoming projects of the MCC will be properly supported and secured as well as the other NGO’s who desire to help Samar to become a developed and competitive province.

“We are appealing to the public to work hand-in-hand with the authorities to include media entities, various religious and people’s organization to take account our moral obligations to maintain harmony in the province”, Major General Chan adds.

Mr. Salas must apologize to the people for persecuting the common good of the people and for mocking the long desired development of the island. He is depriving the people of things that they supposed to deserve long before time.

“It is therefore incumbent upon him (Salas) being the former priest to be responsible in everything he say and do, to correct his erroneous statement and apologize for the wrongdoings to the Samareňos”

In his concluding statement, Major General Chan explained to the people that development and security must go hand in hand. “Development could never be achieved if we will continue to allow these armed bandits to terrorize our people and hinder the economic growth and developed of our three (3) Samar provinces”.###

8ID intercepts splintered NPA members

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the island of Samar suffer another major setback following the sustained successful feats of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division few days ago in the tri- boundary of Samar provinces.

Report reaching this headquarters from 20^th Infantry Battalion states that a civilian provided information that some armed terrorists whom they believe to be part of the main enemy group engaged by the government forces in a series encounters recently were seen loitering in the periphery of Brgy Macatingog, Calbayog City attempting to source out support from the local folks.

Acting on the said report, the 20IB immediately organized and sent troops led by 1^st Lieutenant Julius Muyco to check the enemy presence in the area. While traversing the route towards the barrio, troops encountered about seven (7) members of the armed terrorist NPA who immediately fled away after almost few minutes of exchange fires. An M16 rifle was recovered by the troops after the wounded rebels hurriedly escaped from the encounter site. No one was hurt in the government side while it could not be ascertained in the NPA side.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, Commander of the 8ID commended his troops for their heroic deeds.He also appreciated the action of the civilian who provided the timely information on the activities of the CTs in their barangay.

“The NPAs has no way to run. They can no longer hide and seek refuge with the masses they believed to be theirs. As I commend my troops for their successful deed of their mission, I would also like to recognize the support of the local folks for without it, our mission would not be carried out successfully”, says Major General Chan.

He also calls on the people in the province to report any person, wounded or not, that are seen in their barrio since the 8ID is openly willing to provide assistance even to enemy. “We once again solicit support to our people to report to us any wounded person that you believe to be engaged by our troops in a series of encounters. We are willing to help them provide the necessary medical assistance and treatment and I assure them that they will never be harmed”, the good general concludes. ###8ID intercepts splintered NPA members

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the island of Samar suffer another major setback following the sustained successful feats of the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division few days ago in the tri- boundary of Samar provinces.

Report reaching this headquarters from 20^th Infantry Battalion states that a civilian provided information that some armed terrorists whom they believe to be part of the main enemy group engaged by the government forces in a series encounters recently were seen loitering in the periphery of Brgy Macatingog, Calbayog City attempting to source out support from the local folks.

Acting on the said report, the 20IB immediately organized and sent troops led by 1^st Lieutenant Julius Muyco to check the enemy presence in the area. While traversing the route towards the barrio, troops encountered about seven (7) members of the armed terrorist NPA who immediately fled away after almost few minutes of exchange fires. An M16 rifle was recovered by the troops after the wounded rebels hurriedly escaped from the encounter site. No one was hurt in the government side while it could not be ascertained in the NPA side.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, Commander of the 8ID commended his troops for their heroic deeds.He also appreciated the action of the civilian who provided the timely information on the activities of the CTs in their barangay.

“The NPAs has no way to run. They can no longer hide and seek refuge with the masses they believed to be theirs. As I commend my troops for their successful deed of their mission, I would also like to recognize the support of the local folks for without it, our mission would not be carried out successfully”, says Major General Chan.

He also calls on the people in the province to report any person, wounded or not, that are seen in their barrio since the 8ID is openly willing to provide assistance even to enemy. “We once again solicit support to our people to report to us any wounded person that you believe to be engaged by our troops in a series of encounters. We are willing to help them provide the necessary medical assistance and treatment and I assure them that they will never be harmed”, the good general concludes. ###

Another high powered firearms recovered anew by 8ID troops in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The relentless conduct of pursuit operations by the troops of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in the tri-boundary of Samar provinces resulted to an encounter in the early morning of October 6, 2010.

In a report by Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, Commanding Officer of 63IB based in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar, states that operating troops under 2lt. Mendez PA, received an information volunteered by a barangay resident that armed men believed to be CTs are resting at the forested area of Brgy Cagbanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The troops proceeded to the said area and caught the enemy by surprise. Firefight ensued for more or less ten minutes followed by a running gun battle that forced the enemy to withdraw towards different directions. The platoon scoured the area and recovered the following: two M16 armalite rifles, medical equipment, one solar charger, one solar florescent light, colored computer printer, five pieces ballast for florescent bulb, carpentry materials and subversive documents. The government troops suffered no casualty while undetermined on the enemy side.

The recent accomplishments by the 8ID troops against the NPAs in the area of Samar have disrupted their command and control and communication. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines. The discovery and seizure of the earlier reported camps in heavy forested areas in the tri-boundary of Samar province was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.

Major General Mario F Chan, Chief of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the soldiers for a job well done. He likewise extends his thanks to the people of Brgy Cagbanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar for the timely information provided to the soldiers. General Chan also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live a decent and normal lives along with their families.#####

MGen Chan calls NPAs in Samar to lay down their arms

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- Amidst the relentless and massive effort of the government troops in its Internal Security Operations (ISO) in Central Visayas, Major General Mario F Chan, Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army call to lay down their Arms.

As earlier reported, the government troops has accounted for a total of ten (10) major engagements resulting to the discovery and seizure of a total of 16 NPA encampments in three Samar Provinces. As the troops continue to pursue the fleeing communist terrorists, Major General Chan calls them to surrender and bring along with them, their firearms in order to once again live a decent and normal lives along with their families. Despite the accomplishments gained by the government troops, according to Major General Chan, “There is no happiness and satisfaction derived from killing NPA rebels, only dissatisfaction. The real sense of fulfillment comes in embracing a rebel back to the folds of law and help him become productive and contented citizen of this country”. Chan also pointed out the futility of the NPAs continued resistance and their revolutionary struggle. He cited that the government have various programs aimed at assisting the former rebels and incorporate them into the mainstream of our society.

Major General Chan also assured the NPAs who will lay down their arms that they will not be harmed and instead they will be given assistance for them to start a new life. “We have established a mechanism for them to surrender in coordination with the local chief executives of Samar Provinces down from the mayors to the three governors. All they have to do is to approach or contact their barangay captain, the mayors, governors or any person they can trust to coordinate with the authorities for their intention to surrender. They shall bring their firearms as a proof of their membership with the NPA organization. Those party members who don’t have firearms can also surrender. They can also call or text to these numbers: 09997422629 or 09174464714” Chan added. ###

8ID troops keep NPAs in Samar on the run, more caches discovered

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- The intensified combat operations conducted by the troops of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, have kept the Communist Terrorist Group in Samar on the run. As can be recalled earlier, the recent operations of the government forces in Samar Island resulted to the discovery and seizure of 11 enemy encampments that includes the National Organizational Department of the CPP/NPA Central Committee and the main headquarters of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

With the 8ID’s effort to pursue the fleeing CTs, a series of encounters ensued leading to the discovery of alternate and satellite camps and several caches of firearms, ammunitions, war materials, medical supplies, personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents containing vital information.

In Northern Samar, in a report from Colonel Oscar Lopez, the CO of 803Bde, 8ID, PA stationed at Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, at about 10:00 in the morning of October 3, 2010, troops of 3rd Scout Ranger Company of the First Scout Ranger Regiment under Lieutenant Baylon while scouring the main camp, recovered one (1) Uzi submachine gun, 4 hand grenades, 1 airgun, 60 rounds of cal 5.56mm linked, 5 improvised explosive devices with manually operated switch, 6 wet cell batteries, 1 AC/DC tester, books on demolition course, electronics and sniping, other voluminous documents, vitamins, medicines and medical equipment. Relatedly, at about 3:00 o’clock of same day, troops of 6th Special Forces Company under 1LT Guevarra were able to unearth a total of 10 sacks of assorted enemy personal belongings, training paraphernalia and subversive documents of vital importance at the hinterland barangays of Matuguinao, Samar. The said items were buried by the fleeing communist terrorists in the area as they evade confrontation with the government troops.

In Eastern Samar, report reaching this Headquarters from Lt. Col Hermilo Demafiles, Commanding officer of 14th Infantry Battalion based in Brgy. Dao, Oras E. Samar, disclosed that at about 8:00 o’clock in the morning of October 4, 2010, the operating troops of Alpha Company, 14IB led by Sgt Eraya encountered a group of more or less 20 armed communist terrorists at vicinity Barangay Dorillo, Jipapad, municipality afterwhich the enemy withrew towards east direction after 30 minutes of firefight. At about 3:20 in the afternoon of same day, another troops of Alpha Company, 14IB under Lieutenant Dequiatco while conducting pursuit operations encountered the fleeing communist terrorists at Barangay San Roque, Maslog, Eastern Samar. After three minutes of firefight, the enemy withdrew towards northwest direction. No reported casualties on both sides. Troops of 14IB recovered in this two encounters: two bags, one claymor mine, two detonating cords, four pcs. flash lights, trigger mechanism for M14 and M16 rifles, 35 pcs ballpen, two eye glasses, assorted paraphernalia, three sets acupuncture, four cellular phone (model 1650, 2 model 1202-2 and 11661-2), three load cards worth 100 pesos each, one cellphone headset, two cellphone chargers, two ammunition for 12 gauge shot gun, assorted simpacks, eighteen kilos of rice and subversive documents.

About two (2) hours later of that same day in Eastern Samar, Bravo Company, 34IB led by Lieutenant Latonio discovered another abandoned NPA camp barangay Aguingayan, San Jose De Buan, Samar. The said camp has more or less 15 bunkers made of anahaw makeshifts believed to be used as temporary shelter of the fleeing communist terrorists. At about 4:05 in the afternoon of same day, the same troops again discovered another abandoned enemy camp in the same barangay.

Meanwhile Maj. Gen Mario F. Chan, Commander of 8ID, lauded the troops for their job well done, even as he urged them to continue tracking the enemy and locating their encampments. ####

Tips from Civilian Populace, Leads to Gov’t troops Recovery of high powered firearms

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- The troops of Bravo Company, 34th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, under 1Lt. Franchild Dusil while conducting security operations at Brgy Bahay, Sta. Margarita, Samar apprehended one person possessing high powered firearms this morning, October 4, 2010, at 5:30 am.

In a report from Lieutenant Colonel William P Penafiel Jr, Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in San Jose de Buan, Samar, while his troops were conducting security operations in pursuance to the COMELEC/AFP/PNP Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) against illegal possession of firearms, a civilian in the nearby barangays tipped in an information regarding presence of armed men in the area. As troops reacted on the report, they were able to apprehend a certain Emilio E. Casaljay, 31 years old, resident of Brgy. Monbon, Sta. Margarita Samar. Recovered from his possession are one M653 (baby armalite) with serial number 975565, seven magazines and 130 rounds of ammunition. Based on the coordination with the Samar PNP, the subject is an escapee form the provincial jail and has a standing warrant of arrest. Appropriate charges of illegal possession of firearms in connection with the COMELEC gun ban is now being filed against the subject. 1Lt. Dusil conducted dialogue to the populace of Brgy. Bahay, Sta Margarita Samar, expressing his thanks for their timely information leading to the apprehension of the said fugitive.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen. Mario F Chan, Commander of 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army assured the people that the 8ID will continue to assist the PNP to preempt election related violence to happen this coming local election.######

Government’s Internal Security Operations (ISO) efforts yielded 11 NPA Camps in Samar Island

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar- For the period of one month, a total of eleven (11) CPP/NPA Camps were seized by the troops of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army as a result of its intensified campaign against these armed lawless groups. Significant among these camps is the reported headquarters of the National Organizational Department of the CPP/NPA Central Committee headed by Wilma Tiamzon, wife of CPP/NPA Central Committee chairman Alberto Silva, also known as KA Perry that was seized by troops of Task Group Panther, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army last September 20, 2010. Another Camp that was captured by the 8ID troops is the main headquarters of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) operating in the whole eastern visayas region last September 18, 2010.

Just recently, another Communist Terrorist camp felled into the hands of the operating troops of Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion at the hinterland of barangay Cagmanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar on October 2, 2010 at about 11:30 in the morning.

In a report reaching this headquarters, the troops of 63rd Infantry Brigade led by 1lt Mendez, seized newly established abandoned enemy camp that resulted to the recovery of medical items, optical and dental accessories, school supplies, two big round pot, five liters of cooking oil, four liters of vinegar, laminated sack, PVC pipe for water pump generator wire 75 meters long. Said Camp can accommodate 175 Communist Terrorist with 50 wooden beddings, four dining tables, four kitchens, one session table and one comfort room.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, Commanding Officer of 63rd Infantry Battalion, based in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar, commended his troops for a job well done.

On the other hand, Major General Mario F Chan, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based at Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan, Samar, appreciated the relentless support of the civilian populace in providing valuable information leading to the success of the said operation. According to Major General Chan, the seizure of the said camps by the government forces is a big blow to the communist terrorists revolutionary movement in the area. The government troops have driven them out of their lair and stronghold, thereby preventing them to impose their influence through their extortion activities among the peace-loving communities in the area.

He also prompted his soldiers to continue the effort in its Internal Security Operations in the Region 8, remain steadfast in securing the people while strictly observing the rights of the civilians and even the rights of the terrorist.###

8ID hails 235 new breed of soldiers

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- The Army’s 8th Infantry Division once again conducted a simple but meaningful closing ceremony of Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course Class 02-2010 with Entrustment of FireArms Ceremony which was jointly graced by Maj. Gen Mario F Chan, Commander 8ID and Honorable Sharee Ann T. Delos Santos, Governor of Samar, as Keynote Speakers held at the 8ID grandstand this morning, at 9:00 am.

Said ceremony was witnessed by personalities from various Local Government Units and Agencies and Non Government Organizations, parents, relatives and friends of the newly enlisted Privates and different tri-media practitioners of Samar and Leyte.

Out of the original 250 Candidate Soldiers, only 239 have successfully completed the Candidate Soldier Course, six of them did not cope up with the rigors of the training.

The Candidate Soldier Course opened last May 13, 2010 with 250 qualified applicants from all walks of life that came from all over the country to undergo 3 months basic military training. After their basic training, they underwent Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) which has duration of six weeks.

During the ceremonial entrustment of firearms, Gov. Delos Santos presented the Firearms as a symbol of entrusting the Samareños to the new breed of soldiers as the guardians of peace and protectors of the people. The firearms that were accepted by the Privates will serve as their primary instrument in the performance of their tasks and signify their enduring commitment to the noble profession of arms.

On the other hand, Maj. Gen Mario F. Chan in his message, cited the ten rules of engagement which are; Obey legal orders of your lawful superiors, Wear snappy uniform, Speak politely, Respect women, children and the elderly, Pay for whatever you buy and return whatever you borrowed, Do not be arrogant, Do not destroy crops, Do not look or keep spoils of war for personal interests, Do not maltreat prisoners and Do not violate human rights, “I’ll be making sure that these guys will be the one to give us the energy in the 8th Infantry Division in particular and, the Armed Forces in General. I assure you that I will lead them to their best and make them a true servants of the people whom their Parents who are here today can be proud of”, Gen Chan added.

Another NPA Camp Discovered in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Another Communist Terrorist camp felled into the hands of the operating troops of Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade at the hinterland barangays near the boundaries of Las Navas Northern Samar and Matuguinao Western Samar on September 18, at about 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

In a report reaching this headquarters, the troops of 803rd Infantry Brigade led by 1lt Onipig while reacting to a reported presence of Communist terrorist as tipped in by residents in the nearby area, encountered more or less 30 members of the Communist Terrorist New Peoples’ Army (NPA). This resulted to the discovery of an enemy encampment, the killing of one (1) unidentified communist terrorist, the recovery of one M16 rifle to include its bandoleer with ammunitions and some personal belongings of the terrorists.

Meanwhile, Colonel Oscar Lopez, Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman Northern Samar, commended his troops for a job well done.

On the other hand, Major General Mario F Chan, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based at Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan, Samar, appreciated the relentless support of the civilian populace in providing valuable information leading to the success of the said operation.

He also prompted his soldiers to continue the effort in its Internal Security Operations in Region 8, continue their efforts in securing the people while strictly observing the rights of the civilians and even the rights of the terrorists.