Army Troops Clashed again with the NPAs in Matuguinao, Samar

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – Another clash between the troops of 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion and the NPA terrorists took place today at 8:30 a.m. at Barangay Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar.

            Upon receiving a warning coming from a concerned villager on the presence of the armed group conducting illegal activities in the community, troops immediately responded and encountered more or less 60 rebels.

            During the heat of the firefight, the 3rd Field Artillery Battalion launched  rounds of artillery fire support to the engaging troops to pin down the striking enemies.

            Initial result of the encounter disclosed that there was no casualty on the government side while undetermined on the enemy side.

            During the tension, the military troops ensured the safety of the community and were advised not to go home until the clash is over.

Maj Gen Raul M Farnacio said that the 8th Infantry Division will pursue its combat operation to hunt these terrorists who are continuing illegal activities that disturb the well-being of our people. In planning and conducting operations, the Army puts the people’s welfare and well-being above all other consideration.

12 year-old boy apprehended while carrying illegal Ammunitions

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – On May 13, 2017 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the troops of 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade while conducting security patrol in Brgy De Tubang, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar apprehended a 12-year old boy carrying a half sack of rice that concealed 20 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunitions, three (3) cartridge 7.62 mm, linked for M60 machinegun and two (2) cartridge 5.56 mm linked for K3 machine gun.

        After some interview, the child was immediately turned-over to Provincial Social Welfare Development for proper custody and brought to Catarman Provincial Hospital to check his health condition.

This kind of incident is a clear manifestation that the NPA terrorist group violated the International Humanitarian Law stating that children ages 18 below are prohibited to participate in any hostilities and carrying supplies that could merely put their lives into danger.

Thus, Maj Gen Farnacio said, “Let us give our children the chance to grow up while peacefully learning from their youthful experiences and contributing in their own unique ways. NPA should stop recruiting and using minors for their illegal activities”, Farnacio added.

Community-Based Disaster and Emergency Management Training Kicks-off at 8ID

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine, Army in partnership with the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation came together in conducting a  two-day Community-Based Disaster and Emergency Management Training with the theme: “Damayan at Bayanihan para sa Maunlad na Pamayanan” on May 12, 2017, 9 o’clock in the morning at 8ID Grandstand.

The activity was attended by 131 participants from the municipalities of Sta. Rita, Basey, and Marabut Samar and selected military personnel of 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion and 8ID Emergency Response Company.

The training focuses on the importance of community preparedness particularly on disaster management mitigation; early warning device system; and first-aid technique whenever untoward disaster arises.

Brig. Gen. Cesar M. Idio, the Assistant Division Commander in his message said “We should work hand-in-hand to overcome the challenges that confront us in times of calamities. Thus, proactive preparedness is the key factor that will guide us and reinforce our actions in life-saving situations”.

Army Encounters NPAs Anew, Recovers 2 High Powered Rifles

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – On May 10, 2017 at around 6:40 in the morning, a fire fight ensued between the scout platoon of 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion and the NPA terrorist group at Barangay San Antonio, Hilongos, Leyte for about 30 minutes. Concerned villagers tipped the military troops on the presence of the NPA group at their barangay while asking for revolutionary extortion among the villagers.

            As a result, the military troops have recovered two (2) AK-47 rifles; six (6) magazines; 158 live ammunitions; 2 bandoleers; assorted food stuffs and medicines; and subversive documents. No casualty was reported on the government side while undetermined on the enemy side.

            Brig Gen Mendoza, Commander of 802nd Infantry Brigade has already coordinated with Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) to conduct checkpoints along possible entries/exits of withdrawals of the enemy and to verify possible accommodation of wounded enemy in nearby hospitals.

            The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division assures the people of Eastern Visayas that the NPA terrorist group will not succeed on disturbing the peace and order in the region. Thus, the continued support of the public is greatly appreciated by the Command as a paradigm of a good rapport between the military and the civilian populace as partners for peace and development in the region.

Army Troop Encounters NPAs, Recovers 3 High Powered Firearms

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – A tip-off from a concerned citizen on the presence of an armed group at Sitio Ogbok, Barangay Villa Aurora, Basey, Samar on April 18, 2017 prompted the troops from 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion to conduct a reconnaissance patrol to confirm the validity of the information on the alleged NPA safe house.  As the troops cautiously approach the alleged safe house, they were fired upon by the communist terrorists.  Government troops retaliated in defense which the communist terrorists scampered in different directions. 

This campaign resulted to the recovery of two (2) 5.56mm M16A1 Rifles with SN 033681 and 9021623; one (1) magazine assembly (30 rounds) steel; one (1) magazine assembly (30 rounds) plastic; one (1) magazine assembly (20 rounds) steel and 48 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.

Meanwhile, in the early morning of April 19, 2017, troops from 87th IB while conducting a reconnaissance patrol within their area of operation encountered undetermined number of communist terrorists at the vicinity of Barangay Borong, Calbiga, Samar.  This resulted also to the recovery of one (1) M16A1 Rifle. No casualty reported on the government side while undetermined on the enemy as evidenced by the bloodstains seen on their route of withdrawal.

Your Army in Eastern Visayas Region will ensure that the armed group, with whom the government is talking peace with, will be unable to use force or threaten to use force as leverage in the negotiating table.  8ID stands ready to respond and address any such attempt by armed threat groups.

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NPA attack Army Detachment, 2 rebels killed and 1 High Powered Firearm recovered

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – CAA detachment of Charlie Company, 52nd Infantry (CADRE) Battalion was attacked by undetermined number of communist terrorists (CTs) at Brgy Hilumot, San Jose De Buan, Samar  at around 5:00 a.m.

Report reaching this headquarters disclosed that said detachment was attacked by undetermined number of communist terrorists under unknown leader but the said government troops successfully defended the Hilumot detachment.

As of press time, troops are still scouring the area. Other detachments to include Municipal Police Stations were alerted for probable similar attacks. Five (5) were reported wounded-in-action on the government side while the CTs suffered two (2) rebels killed and undetermined number of casualties. The troops also recovered one AK47 Rifle and two handheld radios.  

Major General Raul M Farnacio, Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army lauded his troops for a job well done and for successfully defending their detachment and dedicating their lives in the accomplishment of the mission.