19IB feats over NPA rebels killing one and recovering firearm

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – The Army’s 19^th Infantry Battalion prevailed over the attempted aggression of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) while they are conducting a routine security patrol in the outskirts of Brgy. Tinaguban, Carigara, Leyte early morning yesterday, May 22.

Report reaching to this office disclosed that around 4:00 in the morning, elements of 19IB under First Lieutenant Malinche Tomarong were conducting a usual patrol in the vicinity when some members of armed terrorist sprayed them with fires.

Though encountering limited visibility, the troops managed to return fire and made necessary action against their foes.

Exchange of fires lasted for almost five (5) minutes before the terrorist fled, carrying with them their wounded comrades.

As a result, one (1) NPA was killed; an M14 rifle and back pack filled with personal belongings and subversive documents were also recovered by the troops upon clearing in the encounter site.

No reported hurt in the side of the government forces.

Major General Arthur Tabaquero immediately lauded the troops for the successful security operations.

“As I’ve said in the past, while we continue to perform our mandated task of preserving peace and stability in the province, we call to our people to continuously give their usual support in the restoration of peace stability for the ultimate attainment of development of the whole province”.

8ID launches “Operation Baklas-Poster” for HOPE

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – After the successful first ever automated election in the country has concluded, the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division immediately launched an operation to clean up the mess left out by the election.

It can be noticed that the campaign paraphernalia and posters that served as memoirs in the wrapped up election remained to be dominating in the streets, posts and parks which almost cover the whole community.

The 8ID’s “Operation Baklas Poster” is the immediate response of the soldiers in Eastern Visayas to restore the image of our communities.

After serving their duties to assure honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE), the Army marched forward to serve for another “HOPE”, but this time for healthy, orderly and pollution free environment.

Using their available time during break from their hectic command activities and workloads, the campaign has kicked-off Friday afternoon in the immediate vicinity of the Camp Lukban.

One battalion composed of different personnel from different offices was dedicated to the said undertaking in order to assure the fast restoration of the city’s face.

Yesterday morning, 8ID troopers resumed their operation “baklas” to clean up mess from Brgy Mercedez down to the city proper.

Mercedez’ Brgy Chair Justito Uy even led his constituents to assist when he saw soldiers cleaning up his barangay.

This morning, the troopers cleared up messes from Brgy. Soccoro of Catbalogan down to the municipality of Motiong.

In his statement, Major General Arthur Tabaquero, 8ID’s head highlighted the social responsibilities of the soldiers not only as warriors, but a true, responsible and environment lover Filipino citizen.

“The 8ID will continue to support any programs to assist different government and non-government agencies, particularly in security and nation-building”, vowed General Tabaquero.

Meanwhile, the operation “baklas” poster for HOPE is simultaneously conducted by the AFP down to its lowest units as part of the Army’s Concern for Environment (ACE). ### (AFR/JGM/jby)

8ID opens training for 250 candidate soldiers

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – 250 young and willing candidates for soldier course were received by the Army’s 8^th Infantry Division through a simple opening ceremony held at the command’s hollow ground, 9:00 A.M., Wednesday.

Traditional military reception took place after the opening ceremony where candidates underwent series of military exercises as introduction of the exercises they will perform as frequent as possible during their training phases to develop their physical stamina.

The simple ceremony was graced by the 8ID’s head, Major General Arthur Tabaquero as speaker.

In his message, Major General Tabaquero reminded the candidate soldiers that aside from having a tough and rigid training, they will be separated from their families.

General Tabaquero also vowed that the trainees will be honed and developed into disciplined, determined, courageous, mentally sharpened and loyal soldiers after the training.

He also encouraged them to value the opportunity of being one of the chosen out of the thousands who keep on dreaming to join the ranks of the living heroes.

Meanwhile, General Tabaquero also reminded the members of the training directorate who will handle the training.

“To the training Committee, I encouraged you to conduct the training professionally so that we can produce disciplined, committed and well-equipped soldiers after the training” the good general says.

The ceremony were also witnessed by all officers, enlisted personnel, civilian employees, parents and other wait-listed applicants of candidate soldier course.

The newly opened course is the first batch among the three batches of soldier course for calendar year 2010.

Two (2) more batches are expected to convene two (2) to three (3) weeks from press time that will fulfill the 600 quota of recruit for the 8ID alone for the calendar year 2010. ### AFR/JGM