New privates join the Army’s peace and development efforts in the country side

 Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –  A send-off ceremony for 101 new privates was held at Grandstand, Headquarters, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), PA, Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City on May 25, 2012.

A send-off ceremony is a military tradition in which Military Officers and Non-commisioned Officers and dependents bid farewell and good luck to all military troops who will be deployed for a specific mission.

In his message,  Col Virgilio M Espineli GSC (INF) PA, Assistant Division Commander, 8ID, PA said, “Today marks your first official duty as regular members of the Philippine Army.  As you leave the portals of this camp, we expect that you will religiously follow the things that have been taught to you and help bolster the peace and development efforts of the Army in the countryside”.

The ceremony was attended by Senior Military Officers headed by Colonel Raylindo S Aniṅon, 8ID Chief of Staff, Enlisted Men and Civilian Employees of 8ID. The new privates will be assigned to the different Army Battalions under 8ID in Eastern Visayas Region.

      During the ceremony, the privates were reminded of the Army’s commitment to respect human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and obey the rule of law and to help win the peace by engaging or involving in peace and development initiatives.

Army’s ‘Bayanihan’ activity in Samar continues

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – A Free Medical & Dental Mission was conducted in Sta Rita, Samar last May 25, 2012 by the local government unit and cause oriented groups in Samar in coordination with the Army troops.

Elements of the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in partnership with An Waray Party List and Local Government Unit of Sta Rita, Samar delivered a free medical consultation, dental extraction and

circumcision as part of Bayanihan activities in Samar Island.

In his statement, BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA said “your 8th ID, PA in collaboration with the local government units and other stakeholders will continually deliver needed services to the communities of Samar as part of the AFP’s IPSP Bayanihan”     .

Hon. Mario Llarenas, Municipal Councilor of Sta. Rita, Samar expressed his appreciation to the military troops for extending their full support in delivering medical services to his constituents. 

At the end of the activity, 369 patients availed of the free medical consultation, 209 patients availed of the free tooth extraction, 98 availed of the free haircut and 80 children availed of the free circumcision for a total of 756 residents benefitting from the said activity. #####

Army facilitates launching of PAMANA projects in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City –          Five (5) projects, under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, were launched at the Municipal Covered Court, Poblacion, San Jose de Buan (SJDB), Samar on May 18, 2012.

The launching of PAMANA Projects was jibed with the Grand Consultation/Dialogue for the  Farmers Sector  of San Jose de Baun, Samar.

            The activity was spearheaded by Mr. Arniel O Disbarro, Area Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS in SJDB, Samar. Mr Disbarro  officially launched the PAMANA Projects to Barangays 3,4, Babaclayon, Hiduroma and Hilomot all of SJDB. Potable water system and construction of comfort rooms are some of the PAMANA projects launched during the said event.

Meanwhile, the Local Government of SJDB headed by Hon Ananias S Rebato Municipal Mayor; the Local Government Units of SJDB to include MAO, MSWDO, MHO, MPDO, MPS, KALAHI-CIDSS, DAR, DENR and LTC CERILO C BALAORO JR GSC (INF) PA, Commander of 87th Infantry Battalion participated in the activity.

The 87IB facilitated the conduct of the launching of PAMANA projects in line with the standing guidance of BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA to support and facilitate peace and development initiatives of the government and other cause-oriented groups in the area. This is also in support to the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan ‘Bayanihan’ which seeks to enjoin all stakeholders to work together and help attain peace and development in every community.

            In his closing message, Hon Rebato assured that the Local Government of SJDB will be a major partner in the peace and development operations of the Army at SJDB, Samar. He furthered expressed his heartfelt grattitude to the 87IB for facilitating the said activity. 

8ID participates in the largest Pacific mission for 2012

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – The 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army (PA) will participate in a humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) mission in selected communities of Samar Island from 18 June 2012 – 1 July 2012 dubbed as the “Pacific Partnership 2012.

            The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual HCA mission of the US Pacific Fleet in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of the mission is to deliver basic services, strengthen alliances and ensure that the international community is better prepared to synchronize the delivery of foreign humanitarian aid in times of natural disaster or crisis.

            HCA activities such as medical & dental mission, veterinarian mission, engineering works, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges mainly on disaster preparedness/response and Damage Control will be done during the two-week duration of the mission.

            In his statement, BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army said, “The 8ID will work hand in hand with the US Armed Forces, partner nation military personnel, and the Local Government Units and Agencies of Samar through the concept of ‘Bayanihan’ in order to deliver much needed services in selected communities in the Province.”

            Aside from the AFP’s medical and dental teams, which will participate in the series of Medical Mission, the AFP will also deploy elements of 53^rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army who will be joining the US Pacific 30^th Naval Construction Regiment in all engineering projects in the area.

8ID joins Fun Run at Catbalogan City

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City - The 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division joined the 1^st Samar Runners Club (SRC) Fun Run at Provincial Capitol Plaza, Catbalogan City at about 6:00AM on May 20, 2012.

 The Fun Run was spearheaded by the SRC which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the sports of running and walking alive.

The event composed of a 5km and 10km distance run was started and finished at the Provincial Capitol Plaza, Catbalogan City. A total of 188 runners coming from the different running clubs of Samar and 8ID Stormtroopers personnel participated in the said event.   

“The 8ID promotes physical fitness as a way of life for every soldier. That is why physical fitness activities are regularly conducted in all military camps in the area,” BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Divison, Philippine Army stressed.  The 8ID also participated in the activity to show its commitment to support all worthwhile activities of the community.

Pvt Marben Jacla from the 8^th Division Training Unit, 8ID placed second (2^nd ) in the 5Km category, while Mc Allan Latoja from San Andres, Catbalogan City was the winner in 5Km category.

Meanwhile, Mr Dodito Pacoldo, Mr Alberto Pacoldo and Michael Johnson were declared winner, 2^nd placer and 3^rd placer, respectively, in the 10Km category

8ID Pledges support to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division pledges to participate and support the DepEd’s Annual Brigada Eskwela activity from 21 – 25 May 2012.

 

The Brigada Eskwela Activity is in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in which Army units help deliver much needed assistance and support to the communities in order to attain peace and development in the area.

 

The 8ID troopers will extend their assistance in terms of human resources services which includes free services such as masonry, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, landscaping/gardening and ordinary labor (cleaning). 8ID believes that education is one of the solutions to our security problem and will help achieve sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in the area.

 

BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, directed all units of 8ID to extend their full support to the DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela in Eastern Visayas and in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol. “We would like to enjoin all government and non-government units as well as cause-oriented groups to join the Brigada Eskwela and demonstrate the true spirit of “Bayanihan” in order to make this worthwhile activity for our youth a success,” Layug stressed.

LGU and 8ID unite for Youth Leadership Summit in Leyte

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army joined forces with the Local Government of Carigara, Leyte for a 3-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) from 18 to 20 May 2012 at Congressman Alberto T Aguja Memorial Central School, Carigara Leyte.

The  YLS aims to improve the participants’ leadership skills as youth leaders in different fields; raise level of awareness on their roles, responsibilities, powers and functions as organization officers; improve their knowledge, skills and concepts on governance, health, environment, peace promotion and advocacy and become a productive youth leaders capable of governing their assigned roles in the community.

BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA said “The Youth Leadership Summit is one of the primary programs of 8ID, which aims to educate our youth leaders in their specific role for peace and development in their communities”. “We still believe that the youth is the future of our nation and I enjoin all stakeholders to join us in conducting youth development programs in the Region” added Layug. 

In his message, Hon Ulipiano U Arpon Jr, Municipal Vice-Mayor of Carigara, said “I would like to thank the Army for spearheading the launching of the First Youth Leadership Summit in Carigara, Leyte, the first ever in the Northern portion of Leyte Province. Surely, you will learn a lot from this activity”. 

The opening ceremony of the YLS was attended by Ltc Joel Alejandro B Nacnac, Commanding Officer, 19IB, 8ID, PA; P/Insp Judito Cinco, Deputy Chief, Carigara Municipal Police Station; Mr Ronald Acebedo, Operations Officer, DILG Carigara and Hon Carissa Laine Go, SK Chairperson. A total of 175 youth from the Sangguniang Kabataan and other youth organizations participated the activity. The theme of YLS is “Youth of today, leaders of tomorrow”.

8ID Enhances its Medical Capability

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army formally activated the 8^th Forward Support Medical Company (FSMC) on May 16, 2012 here at Headquarters Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City. 

According to BGEN GERARDO T LAYUG AFP, 8ID Commander, the activation of 8^th FSMC will enhance the skills of 8ID medical personnel to become more effective, efficient and responsive health providers.

The said Medical Company will be attached to the Service Support Battalion of the Division. The unit’s primary mission is to provide medical support to maneuver brigades    and battalions, capable of treating patients with minor diseases and emergency medical treatment. They can also provide medical teams during disaster response operations and for other peace and development efforts in the area.

As part of the activity, Captain Arturo A Llaso CHS (PA), the 8ID Command Chaplain officiated the blessing of two (2) newly acquired ambulance vehicles. The 8^th FSMC will primarily utilize said vehicles for medical evacuations and disaster response operations.

The enhancement of 8ID’s medical capability is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, which envisions a World-Class Army that our Nation can be proud of by 2028.

8ID troopers overruns NPA encampment in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – A NPA encampment at vicinity Brgy Hagbay, San Jose De Buan, Samar was overrun by military troops of 87th Infantry Battalion, 801st Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA under the leadership of  Ltc Cerilo C Balaoro on 11 May 2012.

Elements of 87th IB under 2Lt Verniel D Semblante discovered the NPA encampment after they encountered undetermined number of rebels earlier that day.

The said camp is composed of three (3) makeshift bunkers and one (1) makeshift hall, which can accommodate about 20 people. After the fire fight government troops recovered long M16 rifle magazines with live ammunitions, assorted medicines and subversive documents. This only proves that the rebels are always on the run to avoid pursuing government troops.

“Your 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army will continue to intensify its security operations against this lawless group in order to ensure the safety of our people and pursue development efforts in every community in the Region” said BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA. “We also enjoin the NPA members to lay down their arms and submit themselves through peaceful means and join the government in all peace and development efforts” Layug added. 

Army Joins Peace and Development efforts in Samar

Army dental team conducted free tooth extraction to the residence of Jiabong, Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – A Free Medical & Dental Mission was conducted in Jiabong, Samar on May 12 2012 by the local government and cause oriented groups in Samar in coordination with Army troops.

Elements of the 801^st Brigade, 8^th Infantry Division (8ID), Philippine Army in collaboration with the Saint Camellus Hospital of Calbayog City and Local Government of Jiabong, Samar delivered a free medical consultation, dental extraction and circumcision as part of the peace and development efforts in Samar.

The activity is also aligned with the “whole of Nation” approach of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan. BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, the Commanding General of the 8ID Stormtroopers division said “the ‘whole of nation’ approach seeks to bring about a concerted effort among stakeholders to address the root causes of insurgency. We acknowledge that a purely military solution is not the answer to insurgency, we have to join hands with the local governments and all stakeholders to intensify peace and development efforts in the area.”

Hon Jocelyn Gabieta de Jesus, Municipal Mayor of Jiabong expressed her gratitude to the group for their efforts in bringing the services to her constituents. The overwhelming success of the activity is a glaring example of genuine cooperation, collaborative efforts and commitment of all stakeholders in bringing the services to our people that exemplifies the true spirit of Bayanihan.  The Philippine Army together with the local government of Jiabong and other stakeholders, enjoins other cause-oriented organizations to advocate such convergence of effort to help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipino people especially those in the remote areas.

At the end of the activity, 264 patients availed of the free medical consultation, 166 patients availed of the free tooth extraction and 10 children availed of the free circumcision for a total of 440 residents benefiting from the said activity. #####

Army Calls for "Bayanihan"

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar– A free circumcision was conducted in Kananga, Leyte on 12 May 2012 by Local Government Unit, Agencies and cause-oriented groups of Kananga, Leyte in coordination with 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army.

Volunteer medical doctors from Energy Development Corporation Medical Retainer, Ormoc Sugar Planter Association-Farmers Medical Clinic Ormoc Polymedic and OSPA participated in the activity .

          "I enjoin everyone to adopt the concept of Bayanihan  in everything that we do for our people", BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, the Commanding General of the 8ID Stormtroopers Division said. BGen Layug added that the 8ID's participation to the "operation tuli" is its way of showing that the Army is extending its hand to all Government units, Non-government organizations and all stakeholders in their peace and development initiatives in the Region.

Hon Elmer C. Codilla, Kananga Mayor expressed his gratitude to the group for their relentless efforts that renders the needed services to the residents of his municipality. The overwhelming success of the said activity is a glaring example of genuine cooperation, collaborative efforts and commitment of all stakeholders in bringing the services to our people that exemplifies the true spirit of Bayanihan.

  

At the end of the activity, 430 juveniles from Kananga Leyte were circumcised. #####

Army condemns the use of land mines

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8ID is calling on the public and the members of the civil society to join this command in condemning the continued use of Landmines by the New People’s Army.

Bgen Gerardo T Layug AFP, the Commanding General of the 8ID, PA, said that the use of landmines is a violation of the Republic Act 9851 (Crime Against International, Law).  This is also a clear violation of the paragraph 15, article II of the comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.  It is prohibited because such attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians.  “I call on everyone to condemn this senseless act of violence against our troops and our people”, Layug said.

Last 14 December 2010, the local NPA launched a landmine attack at vicinity Brgy Sta Fe and Brgy Perez both of Catubig, Northern Samar against the elements of 63rd IB which resulted to the death of military troops and a nine-year-old boy. Recently, the NPA also used landmines against our troops in Brgy Antipolo, Llorente, Eastern Samar and Brgy Nago-Ocan, Catubig, Northern Samar.

In other areas, NPA rebels employed landmines during an attack against the operating elements of 71st Infantry Battalion at Sitio Linaw, Barangay Panamin, Mabini town, Compostella Valley last April 28, 2012, killing one soldier and wounding seven civilians. Likewise, similar incident also happened last February 27, 2012 in the remote area of said place.  Early this year an elderly woman died during a landmine explosion in CARAGA region and during the previous year another civilian was also killed due to landmine explosion at Maco, Compostella Valley.

It may also be recalled that in the early morning of March 5, 2012, the 8ID troops seized forty-four (44) improvised landmines and production paraphernalias in an NPA explosive factory in the hinterlands of the Municipality of Paranas, Samar.  All of these only proves the NPA’s tenacity to use landmines in complete disregard of the safety of the innocent civilians. The Human Rights Office is already preparing to file criminal charges against the NPA rebels for these blatant violations of IHL provisions.

First Female Military Police Chief Installed

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, City Samar – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army held a simple yet remarkable Change – of - Command ceremony of the Military Police (MP) Company at 8ID Multi-purpose Hall at around 9 am today presided by Ltc Ricardo G Ellorda (Inf) PA, Commanding Officer of Hqs & Hqs Service Battalion, 8ID, PA.

1LT JULIE G FADCHAR (OS) PA, former Admin Officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO, is the first ever female officer this Command to assume the post as Commanding Officer of Military Police (MP) Company replacing Maj Noel B Luoang (Inf) PA, the outgoing Commanding Officer.

Ltc Ellorda welcomed and challenged the newly installed female Commander in her new field of assignment. Her designation is in recognition of her leadership qualities to command a company of men in uniform entrusted to enforce military law, order and camp regulations. In her assumption speech, 1LT FADCHAR expressed her gratitude to BGEN GERARDO T LAYUG AFP, Commander, 8ID for the trust and confidence bestowed upon her.

8ID Renews Commitment to Pursue Path to Peace and Development in Eastern Visayas

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City - “Let me assure everyone that the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ programs implemented by my predecessor shall be pursued”, said Brigadier General Gerardo T Layug AFP, the incumbent Commander of the 8th Infantry Division. He stated his commitment as he assumes the task of sustaining the momentum of support to the development of Eastern Visayas.

Since the start of the year 2011, with the launching of IPSP “Bayanihan”, the 8th Infantry Division has embarked on programs to promote human security, good governance, and development in the Region. The command was able to realize these programs with the partnership of stakeholders from both the public and the private sectors.

Having recognized the gains in the Region, Brigadier General Layug, with his experience in both local and international peace endeavors as community developer in the country and peace builder in war ravaged nations aided by the United Nations, made sure that everyone under his leadership understand his intention to enable the Region’s stakeholders to steam ahead with their gains in development.

In his first Command conference, Brigadier General Layug made his point clear as he issued these guidance to all units under his Command:

·        Internalize the Internal Peace and Security Plan to support development;

·        Strengthen Partnerships to enable all stakeholders to do their share;

·        Continuously train to develop professionalism;

·        Adhere to Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law to promote human security; and

·        Build disaster mitigation capability to help people in disaster-prone areas in their time of need in disaster prone areas in the Region;

After issuing his specific guidance, he followed this up with Command visits to line units to ensure that his message would be understood by all personnel of the Division.

With BGEN LAYUG AFP, who is committed to pursue the path to peace and development at the helm of 8ID providing sterling leadership to the Command,   the people of Eastern Visayas are assured of Team 8ID’s is commitment to secure the region and serve its people onward to “Winning The Peace”.###

Northern Samar Village Attacked by NPA

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – The NPA stormed the village of Brgy Taylor in Las Navas, Northern Samar indiscriminately firing their weapons on civilian community at 8:30 am yesterday that resulted to the killing of a four-year old boy who was inside their house at the time of the attack.

Community development personnel from 63IB who were on their way to the Barangay immediately responded to the scene of the incident to secure the village and protect the people and extended immediate assistance to the victims. The troops also secured the area for investigation by the SOCO Team of the PNP. After which, the troops conducted pursuit operation as the perpetrators fled the area.

The local officials of Brgy Taylor headed by Brgy Chairperson Marie Claire Tuling are now preparing their complaints against the local communist terrorists. 

The 63rd Infantry Battalion that secures the area will assist the Brgy officials and the victims in filing a criminal case against the NPA perpetrators as well as complaints before the Commission on Human Rights and the GPH-NDF Joint Monitoring Committee.

This is already the third time in a period of seven (7) months that the NPA staged their attacks on civilian communities.  The local communist terrorists raided Hinabangan, Samar in September 2011 and attacked Lapinig, Northern Samar just this January.###