8ID Conducts Mass Bloodletting

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – This morning, the 8th Infantry Division held jointly a mass bloodletting dubbed as “Young Blood, New Blood for the World” with the Philippine National Red Cross at Headquarters 8ID covered court.

The activity was made possible thru the collaboration and cooperation between Dr. Michieko Malou D Modesto, Blood Bank Physician of the Philippine National Red Cross, Leyte Chapter and the Medical team of Camp Lukban Station Hospital headed by its commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Benavidez.

Ms Pamunag Med Tech, of PNRC Staff Leyte Chapter, Tacloban City said in an interview that recipients of the bloodletting activity are not limited to patients who need blood from this region but the whole country as well. A big number of soldiers coming from different offices of the division and students of Restructured Reenlistment Training class-80-12 volunteered to donate blood. A total of 31,500 cc of blood collected will be forwarded to the Blood Bank at Tacloban City for screening. ###

Three Captured NPAs were accorded human rights midst encounter in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – In adherence to Human Rights and International humanitarian Law, the Rule of Law prevailed amidst the fierce encounter between the troops of 87IB and the group of NPA in the vicinity of Brgy Guinbanga, Calbiga, Samar on January 23, 2012 that resulted to the seizure of an NPA Camp and recovery of voluminous subversive documents and equipment including a laptop computer. Three suspected NPAs were also captured when they were left by their withdrawing comrades and their group out manuevered by the gov’t forces. Despite the soldiers desire to revenge the loss of life of their companion who was killed during the encounter their sense of professionalism and respect for HR prevailed. They were treated humanely and were apprised of their constitutional rights.




Gen Chan commended the soldiers of 87IB for their professionalism and observance to HR and rule of law. “This is a good development to our soldiers. The respect of human rights they displayed at the height of the encounter showed their sincere commitment to the rule of law. This is a result of our continuing efforts to educate our soldiers in order to be disciplined and true advocates of human rights”.

The suspects who were identified as Maita Abadiano y Mabini. a.k.a. “Mytha/Jenny”, Jerry Sablan y Macanas a.k.a “Jerry”, and Delmar Dacdac y Llantada a.k.a. “Archie”. They (suspects) were charged by the police authorities for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294 (illegal possession of firearms) and Republic Act 9516 (illegal possession of explosives).

The SOCO Team from Crime Laboratory, Samar Provincial Police Office was also quick to conduct examination at the scene of encounter to ensure the preservation of evidences and truthfulness to the incident. The troops recovered in the possession of the three captured NPAs four (4) M26 fragmentation hand grenades, one (1) M1911 calibre 45 pistol, one (1) calibre 9mm berretta and fifteen (15) rounds of ammunitions.

A separate case will be filed by the Police authorities against the NPA group including the three suspects for the killing of CAA Luis C Gacuma, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary who was killed during the encounter. Additionally, another case will be filed against the suspects as witness identified them as part of the NPA group who attacked the Hinabangan Police Station on September 12, 2011.

The successful encounter sent a strong message to the NPAs that there is no safe haven for them (NPAs) in Samar. There will be no let-up in our peace and development operations and the 8ID soldiers will be more responsible, determined and focused towards the accomplishment of promoting peace, security and development in this part of the country.###

NPA ‘Organized Crime Group’ Havoc in Northern Samar: Acts of Desperation

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City - “The recent attack against a community of peace-loving people in Lapinig, the despicable murder of Mr. Jovito Pajanustan in Catubig and the ambush on soldiers doing community work in Las Navas by the ‘organized crime group’ locally known as the NPA were all desperate acts of terror to restore their influence in Northern Samar” said Maj Gen Mario F. Chan, Commander of the 8^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms these dastardly acts of terror perpetuated by the NPAs against the peace-loving people of Lapinig, the brutal murder of an innocent farmer and the ambush on soldiers who were engaged in community work to help the people in Las Navas”, added the good General.

According to the 8ID Commander, the climate of fear sowed by the NPAs among communities in Samar Island has dissipated as the people have come to realize and appreciate the sincere efforts of the government and stakeholders to bring peace and sustainable development in the Region as manifested in the declaration by the Local Government Unit of Southern Leyte of an “ Insurgent-Free” province on September 29, 2011 and followed by the declaration of the Local Government Unit of Leyte of a “Manageable Conflict—Affected and Development-Ready ” province on December 8, 2011.

“Because of their waning influence, this NPA or group of thugs and bandits has embarked on a systematic and orchestrated employment of deception, treachery and violence and terror beginning with their murder of Mr. Pajanustan in November 2011 in order to blame it on the soldiers who were actually involved in community work,” said MGen Chan. He stated further that , “Knowing the futility of this deceptive act, the NPA group called on its cohorts ‘migrante’ and ‘sagupa’ to join in the accusation with fabricated data and information that was readily and handily exposed as lies by affidavits of local officials in Barangay Osang of Catubig and San Miguel of Las Navas and the PNP-Catubig Spot Report.

“The truth would eventually surface to manifest their peddled lies so the NPA embarked on acts of violence such as the ambush of the soldier-community worker in Las Navas in December and the recent attack on civilians in the quiet town of Laping last January 20,” said the 8ID Commander.

“These acts or desperation to regain lost influence are typically manifested in NPA armed engagements where their volume of fire is greatest during their retreat,” observed MGen Chan.

“Notwithstanding these acts of terrorism by the NPA, the 8ID will continue to pursue to ‘win the peace’ in the affected areas and finally rid the region of this menace to development,” MGen Chan concluded.###

Festivities in Lapinig, Northern Samar Disrupted by Lawless Group

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – The traditional festivity of Santo Nino was disrupted yesterday at about 6pm by a group of about 50 outlaws in the Municipality of Lapinig in Northern Samar. Some concerned residents of the town tried to resist the outlaws that resulted to the death of Mr. Aurelio Julata, a security aide of the Mayor, and injury to a certain Mr. Romeo Senobio Jr. The suspects killed the 50-year old Mr. Julata and robbed him of his issued firearm.

The suspects also barged and looted several residences including the home of Policewoman Rowena Opena of PNP-Lapinig whose service pistol was forcibly taken. The Policewoman was off duty and at home with her family at the time of the attack.

At the time of the incident, the members of PNP-Lapinig put up a fight at their station through the help of local residents. After a few minutes of presence and sensing mounting community resistance from those involved in the fiesta, the suspects fled aboard a hijacked vehicle of Yakal Construction Company under cover of darkness. The PNP-Lapinig is now processing the complaint against the suspects.

An initial report of the incident reached the Headquarters of the 8^th Infantry Division at about 8:30pm and a more detailed report with action taken by the 803rd Infantry Brigade (803Bde) a few hours after.

Upon notification of the incident, the 803Bde tasked its units at the vicinity of Lapinig to assess the situation and work with the Local Government Unit of Lapinig and the Police Station. A unit of the 34^th Infantry Battalion eventually met with Mayor Menzon and members of the Lapinig Municipal Police Station at about 3:30am the following day to assure the residents of government control.

Lapinig is a quiet town along the Pacific Coast of Northern Samar. A plan is proposed with the Army Engineers to construct and rehabilitate a road through the Municipality towards the neighbour Province of Eastern Samar.###

Local Officials Exonerate Soldiers In Northern Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – Local officials of Barangays San Miguel, Las Navas and Barangay Osang, Catubig both in Northern Samar executed an affidavit exonerating the involvement of soldiers in the death of a certain Jovito Pajanustan, a local resident of Barangay Osang. The document was signed by the local officials led by Barangay Chairmen Apolinario B Libico of San Miguel and Aniano D Rosco of Osang last December 26, 2011 as fact-finding teams visited the site where the dead body was found on November 28. The local officials came up with the declaration to dispel the unjust rumour of involvement spread by some interest groups in every civilian death in the locality.

Initial investigation by the PNP Catubig as contained in the report of Police Inspector Ildefonso V Miranda Jr. on November 29 states that “the victim left his house alone on November 25, 2011 at around 3:00 o’ clock in the afternoon purposely to work at his farm and never returned home until the time that he was found dead buried in a shallow grave in the state of advance decomposition with multiple stabbing and hacking wounds on the different parts of his body by his relative inside the vicinity of his farm at around 2:00 o’ clock in the afternoon of November 28, 2011.” The PNP report also states that the cadaver of the victim was brought by his relative to Catubig District Hospital for Autopsy Examination. The local PNP unit has yet to determine the identity of the suspect and the motive for the crime.

The Municipalities of Catubig and Las Navas have been known for notorious killings. Residents in both municipalities attest to the very extensive control of illegally-armed and politicized groups in the area. The mortal wounds sustained by Mr. Pajanustan are reminiscent of the style of attack by these outlaws on soldiers doing community work in the barangays. Traders and government workers are the usual victims of these threat groups since they intend to keep the local populace isolated from development efforts by agencies of the National Government.

As a responsive partner in addressing the incidence of extra-legal killings in the Island of Samar, the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army has scheduled meetings with the Multi-Sectoral Quick Reaction Team (MSQRT) in Northern Samar to tackle the case of Mr. Pajanustan. In the interest of justice and transparency, the 8ID endeavours to partner with other government agencies and the civil society to objectively look into incidents that threaten peace and security.###

“NPA desperate and having nightmares on their downfall”

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City - The Provincial Government of Leyte together with 8^th Infantry Division on December 8, 2011 declared the province of Leyte as a manageable conflict-affected area ready for development, a move being criticized by the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas. Ka Karlos Manuel, the Spokesperson of the Efren Martirez Command, called Major General as daydreaming for such declaration. “Yes the army is daydreaming. We are dreaming of a long lost peace and prosperity in Leyte. For almost a decade, the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte are starting to feel development and immense economic activities after the CPP-NPA-NDF influence in the area had weakened and its terrorist activities had declined.” This was the answer of the good General when asked to comment on the statement of the EMC spokesperson.

Ka Karlos Manuel even claimed that they, the CPP-NPA-NDF, had gained strength while the LGU of Leyte and 8^th ID proclaimed the province as insurgency-free. Having read this statement, Major General Chan, again, replied with a funny expression. “It seems that Ka Karlos Manuel is the one daydreaming and he is on a nightmare. Maybe, he is not aware of what is really happening on the ground or he just wants to conceal the truth that they don’t have the capability to expand its organization in Leyte and soon they will cease to exist. That is the most proximate to reality. Look, if it is true that they have gained strength in the area, the people of Leyte will be the ones to protest the declaration of Leyte as insurgent-free Island.” It can be recalled that Southern Leyte was earlier declared as Insurgent-free province on September last year. “Ka Karlos Manuel said that they have structured more mass organizations in peasant, women and youth, then this should have been noticed and felt in the area. But where are these mass organizations? The truth is, the people in Leyte no longer believe nor buy this propaganda. The people of Leyte had been awakened from the false representation and propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF. The people of Leyte have learned the real truth. Thus, the communist terrorists are now having difficulties in their recruitment.”

Major General Chan likewise denied the contention of EMC Spokesperson that the 8^th ID is using tactics to sway civilians to attend meetings they [8^th ID] initiated. He considered it as a very insane and preposterous. He humbly acknowledged that 8^th ID has no funds to buy lechon and other similar lavish food preparations just to sway the communities on their favor. On the contrary, he claimed that our communities joined the meetings with the 8^th ID in every barangay because they believed that they [8^th ID, Phillipne Army] is the real people whom they can depend on. He raises his head and said, “the army [8^th ID] serves and will continue to serve as their protector against the NPAs. Incidentally, soldiers of the 8^th ID is not asking food from the communities in remote areas as what the NPAs are doing”.

Manuel was too proud when he boasted that the best sons and daughters are being recruited into the NPA. This did not run off from the attention of Major General Chan. He agreed that there are some recruits that replaced a little fraction of the numbers of their former members who either surrendered or lay low. However, those new recruits are mostly, if not all, are 15 years old and below which is in fact a blatant disregard and violation of international humanitarian Law that prohibits recruitment of minors as combatants. Again, showing much dismay for a wasted hope, he shook his head and said “they [NPA] are a disgrace to Filipino community. They are not ashamed of corrupting young minds and stealing their bright future.

“Certainly I agree with what Manuel has said, that the presence of the 14IB should be highly noted. The existence of 14IB in the area is to secure the rehabilitation of the Gandara-Matuguinao road project against those local terrorists or the NPAs that are impeding the gateway towards development. The construction of this road project would facilitate the easy transport of agricultural products of farmers coming from the far flung areas and become a new attraction of investors that would open-up employment for the common people of Matuguinao and its adjacent Municipalities. Now which one is fearful, the presence of soldiers who are securing the opportunity of the populace? Or the NPA’s obstruction of the road project to deny our own people of the development they certainly deserve? What they always wanted is to confine the communities in remoteness and deny them access to information so that the only knowledge that would come in for our people are their own teachings. A poisonous knowledge that the government is the evil and the source of all difficulties, while their’s, the communism and armed struggle are the solutions”. I beg all of you people of Samar Island. Let us join our hands to make this Gandara-Matuguinao Road realized. The road the NPAs claimed as Road To War. Yes it is! A Road to War Against Poverty and Ignorance.” Chan continued.

On the other hand, the EMC spokesperson also averred that the encounter transpired last Dec. 20 at Las Navas, NSamar by the troops of 34IB against the NPA offensive was entirely “legitimate” since their unilateral ceasefire in response to the Aquino government commences from Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. He further states that it was a form of punishment for the government troops which resulted to the death of one (1) soldier and wounding as well, for not keeping their own word on the unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2. The ambush on the government troops last 20 Dec 2011 by the NPA only highlighted the insincerity of the NPAs to forge peace with the government by taking advantage of the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Aquino during the Yuletide season. Their treachery unmasked their real selves and the real organization they have. The intent of the unilateral ceasefire was to give respite to the cycles of violence all year yet our soldiers are still duty-bound to secure villages and communities against violence and lawlessness from the NPAs. The soldiers sacrificed precious time that should have been spent with their loved ones so that our people can celebrate and enjoy yuletide season away from harm posted by these bandits [NPAs}.

Moreover, to answer other allegations and propaganda the EMC spokesperson posted, Major General Chan left two challenges to the CPP-NPA-NDF Eastern Visayas. “We challenge the NPA! If they can show any proof that the 8^th ID troops committed violation on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in our area of operations during my time as Division Commander, then we will prosecute those soldiers to the point of putting them in jail and discharging them from the service. In fact, the NDF-EV has filed several cases earlier than year 2010, but all were dismissed for lack of basis and substantial evidence.

If the NPAs can prove that we are disturbing the tranquility of the civilian populace in any area under my command then we will punish them. If there are any school, health centers, barangay centers and civilian buildings that were used as base camps then we will chastise them together with their commander. It is easy to claim but difficult to prove, especially when somebody’s claim is based on lies and the objective is just to malign the belief of the people.

We challenge the NPA to show proof. Do not keep on claiming or throwing accusations without basis. If you cannot respond to these challenges, then that would be tantamount to a conclusion that your statements are merely propaganda designed to poison the minds of the innocent civilians. Tell the truth. The problem with the NPAs is that they are afraid of the real truth. The truth is that they are losing popular support. The truth is that they are giving false hopes for our people. The truth is that they are dying breeds, insignificant and plain bandits and outlaws. We pity them; we pity their children and love ones for they cannot taste what a real family is.”

Meanwhile, as Bayanihan continues, the 8ID Chief, Major General Mario Chan assures and believes that the soldiers of 8ID will be more responsible, determined and focused towards the accomplishment of the mandated mission without violation of any law.###

“Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready” Leyte

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –The 8^th Infantry Division thru the 802^nd Brigade under Colonel John S. Bonafos facilitated the signing on Joint Declaration of “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready”Leyte between Major General Mario F. Chan, the Commander of 8ID, PA; and Honorable Carlos Jericho I. Petilla, the Governor of Leyte Province. The signing was held on December 08, 2011 at Leyte Provincial Capitol, Tacloban City and was witnessed by the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Leyte and other members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines headed by Brigadier General Alejandro H. Estomo, the Deputy Commander of Central Command AFP.

Leyte is the seventh province in Visayas to be declared “insurgent-free” after the provinces of Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Guimaras, Siquijor and Southern Leyte. .The 8ID had committed to make the Province of Leyte “insurgent-free” before this year ends, and with the relentless efforts of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Local Government Agencies (LGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders, leyte is finally “insurgent-free”.

The signing on Joint Declaration is a manifestation that the Internal Peace and Security Operations in Leyte have worked and its responsibility is handed over to the local government with the military supporting the local government and police in maintaining the peace and order in Leyte Province.

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8ID Refocuses Disaster Response to Central and Eastern Visayas

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division has refocused its disaster response effort from the recent incident in Northern Mindanao to the current concern in Central and Eastern Visayas.

With the shift in attention, recent efforts to collect relief goods for victims in Northern Mindanao has been stopped to favour the needs of the people in Central and Eastern Visayas.

Upon the request on December 27 of the Office of Civil Defense and Local Government Units in Regions 7 and 8, 8ID units performed disaster response efforts together with local PNP units in flooded areas of Cebu and Leyte. The degree of flooding in those areas prompted the NDRRMC to declare them recently as under a state of calamity.

The termination of efforts for affected areas in Northern Mindanao brought to a conclusion a week-long coordination to collect and deliver relief goods to the victims of Typhoon “Sendong”. A total of 373 sacks of used clothing, 16 sacks of rice, 20 ½ boxes of assorted canned goods, 22 boxes of noddles, and 4 boxes of mineral water in 500ml bottles have been collected and delivered.

“The concerted effort made by the 8ID, local government units and private sectors in Region 8 to help the typhoon victims in Region 10 is a manifestation of “bayanihan” in national scope”, said MGen Chan, Commander of 8ID.###