8ID Beefs Up with 122 Newly Enlisted Soldiers

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar –A total of 122 newly enlisted personnel join the ranks of the 8^th Infantry Division today at 9am in a symbolic ceremony that was held at the Camp Lukban Grandstand. The highlight of the affair was the ceremonial entrustment of firearms to the soldiers by representatives from both the public and private sector notable among which is Honourable Mel Senen Sarmiento, Representative of First District of Samar. The entrustment ceremony symbolizes the critical role of civilian authority in the performance of the soldier’s duty.

In a statement made by Major General Mario Chan, chief of the Army in Eastern Visayas, the primary duty of the new soldiers is to be instruments for peace and development.

“With these reasonable force that adds to the 8ID troopers, rest assure that our people can expect more than what we are doing for the sake of peace and development in this part of the country,” General Chan says.

Likewise, Congressman Sarmiento said in his message that the soldiers of 8^th Infantry Division have continuously manifested devotion to duty and to the Constitution.

“With these soldiers, I am optimistic that our problems against insurgency will surely come to an end by doing each and every one of us their part and protecting the human rights of the people for the ultimate attainment of peace not only in Samar but also in the whole region,” says Congressman Sarmiento.

The activity was also graced by the Vice Mayor of Catbalogan Hon. Art Gabon, City Councilor Hon. Stephanie Tan-Uy, Calbayog Bishop Most Rev. Isabelo Abarquez, and Rev. Fr. Dionesio Calderon. Two civilian volunteer communications groups namely the REACT and KABALIKAT Civicom complemented the affair along relatives and friends of new soldiers.

Road project in Samar blasted with UN-banned landmines to hurt 8ID troops

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Headquarters-bound troops who recently performed as area security in support of the ground breaking ceremony for the Gandara-Matuguinao road development project held yesterday were harassed at about 11:30 p.m. last night along the way by a communist-inspired criminal group at the vicinity of Barangay Canligues and Concepcion, both of Paranas, Samar.

Two UN-banned landmines usually employed by the communist-inspired criminal group detonated along the road that caused the death of one soldier, the wounding of six others, and damage to a portion of a currently developed road. The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated and are now under treatment at Saint Paul’s Hospital in Tacloban City. Responding troops in the area are now making sure that the traffic along the route will not be hampered because of the incident.

The incident is an expected reaction of the communist-inspired criminal group against the efforts of the 8^th Infantry Division who has committed to support road development and other related projects in the Region at all cost. The road where the incident occurred is among the roads that the 8ID supports for development.

Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project Ground breaking ceremony

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –After conceptualizing Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project, the simple yet meaningful Ground Breaking Ceremony was held at Brgy. Canhumawid, Gandara Samar at around 10:30 this morning.

This road rehabilitation is part of the project proposals of the Command to the different Local Chief Executives pushed thru the Regional Development Council, Regional Peace and Office Council and Provincial Peace and Order Council. The project is a 3.7 km road rehabilitation to be undertaken by 546^th Engineering Construction Battalion, 53^rd Engineering Brigade costing about 2.1 million funded by the Provincial Government of Samar. The ceremony was spearheaded by the Commander of 8^th Infantry Division Major General Mario F Chan together with Honorable Governor Sharee Ann T Delos Santos, Most Rev. Isabelo Abarquez, Bishop of Calbayog Diocese; Rev. Fr. Erwin Rodriguez, Parish Priest of Matuguinao; Police Senior Superintendent Ronald Cortiz Macapagal, the Provincial Director of Samar; Commanding Officer of 801 Brigade Commander Colonel Romeo Labrador other military officers, local officials and media personnel were present to witness the realization of the road project that will be completed by 26 September 2011. Right after the ceremony, the activity was culminated with press conference.

“Hindi sa pamamagitan ng bala matatapos ang insurhensiya sa Samar, matatapos natin to sa pagbibigay ng tulay, maayos na daan at iba pang infrastraktura para matugunan ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng mamamayan ng Samar” Major General Chan says.

Meanwhile, Governor Delos Santos expressed her gratitude to the Commanding General of 8ID and encouraged the people of Gandara and Matuguinao to be responsible in order to achieve peace and order in the area.

8ID inter-color sport fest

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army opened the 23^rd 8ID Founding Anniversary Inter Color Sport Fest 2011 held at 8ID Grandstand with Major General Mario F Chan, Commander, 8ID, as the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

The soldiers coming from the different units of 8ID together with the Team Navy participated the event. Right after the opening ceremony they started the games and played according to team color.

In his message, Maj Gen Chan urged all soldiers to participate the games in playing different games in order to more improve their competency. By focusing their mind, they will to learn the Army’s core competencies.

Through this activity, the camaraderie among soldiers will be strengthened and the spirit of sportsmanship will also be ingrained in their minds.

Top performing battalion refresh

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –After serving the people of Eastern Samar, the 14^th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Hermilo Demafiles held their opening ceremony for their scheduled retraining at Brgy. Erenas, San Jorge, Western Samar at 11:20 this morning.

The ceremony was spearheaded by the Commander of 8^th Infantry Division Major General Mario F Chan together with the government officials of the Municipal of San Jorge, Samar headed by Mayor Nancy B Grey as Guest. The purpose of this retraining is to improve the combat capability of unit, enhance the skills of the soldiers and refurbish the units personnel strength, signal, mobility and firepower capabilities. While the Battalion has been the top performer in the whole Philippine Army the retraining will serve as time for relaxation and reinvigorates in time for the units more crucial mission after the retraining.

Mayor Grey expressed her warm welcome to the 14IB and extended her whole hearted support for the retraining of the battalion. She also guaranteed the commitment for a harmonious relationship with the government troops in serving the people in Samar.

Major General Chan stressed that the 14IB is composed of well-disciplined soldiers. “Good manners and right conduct is emphasized and they will not do stupid things in the area of Samar. Everybody is disciplined” Chan says. He is optimistic that after the Battalion retraining of the unit, they will provide the “winning blows” in our quest for a just and lasting peace in the region.

43rd Infantry Battalion Back to Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –After three years stay in Lanao Del Sur the troops of the 43^rd Infantry Battalion arrived at pier 2 of Catbalogan City yesterday. The soldiers of the 8^th Infantry (Storm troopers) Division joint welcomed their arrivals and also a send off ceremony was held for the troops of 3^rd Scout Ranger Company and 1^st Light Armor Platoon.

The occasion was headed by the commanding officer of the 8ID Major General Mario F Chan together with City Councilor Hon. Stephanie Uy as the Guest of Honour. Hon. Uy expressed her warm welcome to the 43IB under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Madarang and subsequently extended her deepest gratitude to the departing troops of 3SRC and 1LAP for their excellent performance in serving the people of Region 8.

“Be guided with the maxim that as soldiers we are here to serve and not to be served” says MGEN Chan. With additional troops from Lanao del Sur, the 8ID is more than enough to continue its mandated mission.

On the other hand, several families and friends of the soldiers sympathized on the occasion and conveyed their gratefulness for the coming back of 43IB in Samar Island.###

Soldiers extends life to a nurse

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – Yesterday, Commander of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Major General Mario F Chan received an appreciation letter from a Registered Nurse Juniel Bardelas Tagarino, 24 years old.

Juniel Tagarino is presently working as Clinical Instructor in Samar State University-College of Nursing. He had been inflicted dengue fever last 22 June this year that in direly needs for blood transfusion with four (4) units of A+ Blood Type as well as blood donors. Patient had difficulty in looking for his blood type donors. Along with, one of his friend suggested to ask assistance at 8ID training unit for there were students undergoing training in the unit at present.

Immediately, 8ID acted on the need patient and look for soldiers capable of donating blood as blood type donors. Trainees from RRT Class 74-11 namely SSg Eleuterio Besada and Sgt Regie Milan volunteered themselves as blood donors. Blood type were successfully been transfused to the registered nurse without complications.

Registered Nurse is now in normal condition. “I am now feeling well, and for the lending hand that the Philippine Army has extended to me would always be in my deep gratitude to them because without this people who volunteered themselves to help others, I would not be living this life up to this time” Tagarino said. I was astound that my vision towards the Philippine Army was wrong that they might not help me because I am not a soldier but in the circumstances, it only shows that the Army organization is always there to help their fellowmen even the civilian like me, and I am honored and privileged to be one of the recipient of this helping hand that they’ve shown the people” he adds

As Bayanihan continues, the government troops will uphold in protecting and helping the Samareño in one way to another. The army’s of 8th infantry division is willing to give a helping hand.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much, and to sir Chan, because of the unselfish efforts that your men have rendered I am very proud to salute you as the leader of the gallant men of the 8th Infantry Division (Stormtroopers) Philippine Army” Tagarino concluded.

8ID sustains effort on Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Yesterday, a lunch meeting attended by different stakeholders of Samar held at the Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City to discuss the Incoming Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Gandara to Matuguinao road project.

The gathering was initiated by the 8th Infantry Division Commander Major General Mario F Chan, together with his Assistant Division Commander Colonel Virgilio M Espeneli and colleagues Colonel Peñafiel commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, Colonel Quila of the 546th Engineering Battalion, and Police Senior Superintendent Arnold C Macapagal. Other participants from SIPPAD, DPWH, and the Media in the person of Ms. Emy Bonifacio, District Engineer Virgilio Eduarte, and Ms. Gina Ragudo of Samar news respectively, were also present.

The purpose of the gathering is to ensure proper coordination and participation of all the stakeholders in Samar necessary for the realization of the Road Project. Because the Gandara-Matuguinao road project will be a combine effort of the DPWH and the 546th Engineering Battalion it is estimated that the road will be passable by September, three months earlier than the expected time

AFP Chief of Staff commends the 8ID Command’s successful engagement with the Civil Society Organizations and the LGUs

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com

July 11, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY – In a routine visit to the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, ACS General Eduardo SL Oban Jr. has personally congratulated the 8ID family for its outstanding accomplishments for the 1st semester of 2011. The accomplishments were in line with the objectives of the Internal Peace Security Plans-Bayanihan (IPSP Bayanihan).

Based on the over-all performance evaluation conducted by the AFP General Headquarters, two (2) brigades (801st and 803rd) were included in the top 5 list and three (3) Battalions (14IB, 19IB and 34IB) of the “Stormtroopers” were made part of the top 10 list of performing units of the Philippine Army. It has recorded 36 encounters, 46 firearms recovered and 22 enemies neutralized.

Gen. Oban commended MGen Mario Chan for his strong leadership. He cited Chan’s concretely-planned and critically-analysed strategies that paved way to the 8ID’s successes. Jokingly, Gen. Oban said that they both belonged to the “Plans Family” because they never stopped planning.

“The IPSP will be largely dependent upon the Commander’s imagination, creativity and appreciation of the environment and strategic aspects in the implementation of his campaign plans”, Oban disclosed.

Furthermore, he appreciated the efforts of the 8ID leadership for its successful engagements with the non-military sectors such as the non-government organizations, people’s organizations, church and the academe.

“Each and every member of the society should be with us because we only have one dream – to have a lasting peace. We saw this in all the efforts shown by the 8ID under the leadership of Gen. Chan. We should encourage our stakeholders and plan on how to invite them to participate and get the support of the other sectors. This was achieved by the General. He has good relations with the LGUs. They are important because they are the ones who will implement the delivery of the basic services and projects. This is the challenge for all commanders. Our only role is to catalyze the stakeholders towards the road going to the attainment of our objectives” Oban stressed.

“Let’s commend the 8ID for the direction towards road networks development and the implementation of projects under PAMANA of our government. We have played a very important role in the first quarter. Let’s sustain the efforts” was Gen. Oban’s continuing challenge to the officers and men present.

On the other hand, MGen Chan commits to pursue his development agenda for Samar in response to the public-private partnerships that are being encouraged under the IPSP Bayanihan. The General has been repeatedly heard talking about the military’s vital role and participation in the implementation of the proposed road infrastructures that would interconnect the tri-boundaries of Samar.

In a latest report, ground breaking activity preparations for the Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project are now being facilitated. Chan disclosed that coordination meetings have already been made with the DPWH, the Department of National Defense and the military’s Engineering Units and the Local chief Executives for its immediate implementation. He expects the road to be passable by the end of September 2011.

Chan is not all bothered by reports that his leadership at the 8ID is presently being challenged by a group’s petition to unseat him due to unconfirmed reports or allegations of being involved in political partisanship. He strongly denies the allegations and asserts on the non-partisan status of his position.

“Decision like this is political in nature that is dictated by the incumbent leadership. The AFP will just abide by it. If I will be ordered to move out of the 8ID, I have to obey because I am a soldier in the first place. I am ready for it, to accept whatever decision. Meantime, I will just do what I can do while I’m here. I assure everyone that I have been fair in my dealings with everybody and I will continue my commitment to change Samar Island and make it one of the best tourists’ destination,” was the General’s ready answer.

Chan is confident that he has the support of the multi-sectoral groups who also dream of developing Samar. The recently held Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) assembly attended by the three (3) Bishops of the Samar islands and representatives of the civil society groups, expressed an all-out support to Chan’s clear direction in ensuring the peace and development of the area. Specifically, he stressed the urgency of interconnecting the three islands thru the road networks. This, according to him, will be the road that would end the war against poverty and would uplift the lives of the people.

Gen. Oban furthermore believes that the 8ID’s outstanding performance and the good feedbacks that he’s gathered from all other sectors would be enough to keep Gen. Chan in command until he completes the implementation of his plans and programs that would serve the interests of the majority in his area of responsibility.

In a related story, the AFP Chief of Staff also took the opportunity of disseminating the various programs that would boost the morale and welfare of the troops. He announced the availability of 10 thousand housing units for the AFP and another 10 thousand units for the PNP. The continuity of the Pension Plans Benefits was assured and the proposed reforms or changes will be made effective for the newcomers only.

With reference to the suggested reforms during his assumption speech, Gen. Oban informed that the commissary services have already been improved, thereby making available supplies for their daily needs at reasonable prices. This was intended to increase the purchasing power of the soldiers.

Likewise, he is decisive in pushing reforms on logistics and financial management. He recalled how the AFP Fund Scam affected every soldier and their families when the AFP was tagged as the most corrupt agency in the government.

“It became a challenge to show the people that we are a model of good governance – make the organization stronger and transparent in all our actions. I will leave footprints behind with things that I expect to happen within the year. And I will also leave a blueprint that will serve as guide for our future leadership to push for financial reforms” was how Oban concretized the challenge to fight corruption in the AFP.

“Reforms cannot be done overnight. Slowly, we see the weaknesses and continuous improvement happens. We are focused on an 18 point action plan to include reforms on logistics, management, training and personnel. This will be implemented in my incumbency. We will leave blueprints. Until now, slowly, we are creating public trust and confidence. Actually, we have also been receiving expressions of support and encouragement for us to continue the challenge” explains Gen Oban as he suggests for the revisiting of the AFP organizational structure and system.

The soldiers were once again reminded to strictly abide with the provisions of the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law. Oban proudly disclosed that since his assumption, there were no human rights violations received in the newly created AFP Human Rights Office.

“Hopefully, it will continue and become part of the culture of the AFP to become agents of human security”, Oban said.

“I don’t want half-baked or half-cooked reforms for the soldiers. We belong to the Plans Family. Kaya puro plano kami. Kailanangang planuhin namin yan para alam namin pagdating sa dulo kung hanggang saan lang tayo at kung hanggang saan ang ipagpapatuloy ng papalit sa akin. Ganyang klase ang gusto nating approach. Ayoko yung i-coconcentrate natin para masabing tinapos ko yan. Half cooked. Process properly. Kung aabot hanggang December, we leave a blue print for their continuous implementation. We also have a mechanism for feedback para continuous ang improvement and enhancement” were Gen. Oban’s final statements.

8ID rescued a minor NPA regular member

Barangay, Magsaysay, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – Responding to the reported presence of armed NPA’s collecting food stuffs and conducting extortion activities in the area of San Isidro, Northern Samar, the troops of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion rescued a minor NPA regular member after a brief encounter last July 2, 2011 at around 7:30 in the morning at arngay Mabuhay,

San Isidro, Northern Samar.

Lieutenant Colonel NOEL A VESTUIR, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, identified the rescued minor as John-John Cuanico y Lebio @ Tom, 17 years old, a regular NPA member belonging to Squad 3, PLTN 1, F1, NSPPC, EVRPC operating in the areas of San Isidro, Bobon, Tinambacan and Oquendo district of Calbayog City. John-John Cuanico was recruited in the underground movement by alyas “Imaw” last 2008 at the age of 14.

The rescue of the said minor came after the government troops discovered the presence of the armed NPAs in the area as a result of information given by the residents of Barangay Mabuhay, San Isidro, Northern Samar. 20IB has dispatched a platoon from Charlie Company under 1LT ADRIAN PHILIP PUBLICO that was tasked to respond to the reported presence of armed NPAs collecting food stuffs, conducting extortion activities and recruiting minors. Upon reaching the said area, the troops encountered the group of alyas “Imaw”. Exchange of fire lasted for about 15 minutes which resulted to the overrun of the NPA camp, the rescue of John-john Cuanico, the recovery of one (1) Cal.45 pistol from his possession, assorted ammunitions, magazine assembly for M14, a back pack, personal belongings, numerous subversive documents of high intelligence value and CPP/NPA propaganda materials.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, Commander of 8th Infantry Division, lauded the troops from 20IB for a job well done and further commended the collaborative effort between the civilians and the soldiers. The general also thanked the people for their continued support and cooperation in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”. General Chan also said: “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to rescue another minor from the trap of communist ideals and saved his future. The rescue of John-john who is a minor, has indeed proven the gross disrespect by the NPAs on the rights of children”, the general concluded.###