Army Troops Overrun Enemy Encampment, 1 CNT Killed

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – Troops belonging to 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion while conducting focus military operations overrun an enemy encampment of the Communist-NPA Terrosrists (CNTs) at Sitio Bagong, Barrio, Brgy.  Pinanag-an, Borongan, Eastern Samar on May 30, 2019 at 7:30 o’clock a. m.

            The fire fight against more or less 50 CNTs lasted for about 1 hour and 30 minutes that resulted to one enemy killed (body count) and the recovery of one (1) .357 magnum with four (4) live ammos, one (1) improvised explosive device (IED),   two (2) magazines for AK-47, two (2) rifle grenades, one (1) M203 ammunition, fifteen (15) backpacks, assorted medicines, three (3) blasting caps, five (5) cellular phones, one (1) detonator (bomb switch), assorted ammunitions (for AK-47, M16, Garand rifles), and subversive documents with high intelligence value.      While no casualty on the government side.

           The discovery of the said enemy encampment was attributed to the information provided by the civilian populace to the military.    

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force STORM believed that the CNTs are on the run since the Army launched its relentless internal security operations in the far-flung communities influenced by the terrorists.     

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Farnacio said that “Ito ay nagpapatunay na epektibo ang mga ginagawang mga programa at hakbang ng ating mga kasundalohan sa tulong na rin ng ating mga kababayan upang matigil na ang pananamantala, pag-impluwensiya ng mga rebeldeng NPA sa mga liblib na kanayunan sa rehiyon.”

“Muli kung ipinaaabot sa ating mga kapatid na rebelde, na nais na magbalik loob, huwag na kayong mag-alangang sumuko.  Ang gobyerno ay may nakalaang programa para sa inyo ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o ECLIP.  Masarap ang mabuhay na payapa at kapiling  ang pamilya,” Farnacio added.

Army Soldier Sacrifices Life for Development and Progress in Northern Samar

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The troops of 63^rd Infantry (INNOVATOR) Battalion assigned at EJ Dulay, Palapag, Northern Samar who are tasked to secure the Samar Island Road Construction Project were attacked by more or less 50 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) on May 21, 2019 at around 4:00 o’ clock a.m.

Corporal Alex Saliwan was hit by the first volley of fire from the CNTs while the rest of the gallant army troopers held their ground and engaged the enemy in a 30-minute firefight. Corporal Saliwan sacrificed his life for the development and progress in the remote towns of Northern Samar that could improve the livelihood of the local populace.  

This is another act of terrorism by the CNTs in order to continue their extortion activities to the construction companies in the area.  But Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8^th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force STORM, who condemned this treacherous act, assured the Nortehanons that his troops will continue to secure all development projects in the area of responsibility of his Command to jumpstart progress and prosperity in the entire region.  

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Farnacio said that “Ang Samar Island Road Construction Project ay malaking  tulong para sa mga mamamayan ng Northern Samar. Ito ay magsisilbing daan para mapagaan at mapadali ang pagluwas ng kanilang mga produkto at mga kalakal at ito rin ang magiging daan para sa pag-unlad ng antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan.”

“Kung lagi itong guguluhin at hahadlangan ng mga teroristang NPA para na ring pinagkakaitan nila ng pag asenso ang mga masa kabilang na dito ang pamilya at kamag-anak nila,” Farnacio added.

8ID Enjoins Inter-Agency to secure polls in E.Visayas

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – A send-off ceremony for the joint forces from the 8^th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division, Police Regional Office 8, Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard Eastern Visayas to secure the Midterm National and Local Elections in Eastern Visayas Region, was held on May 8, 2019 at Police Regional Office 8, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Brgy. Campetic, Palo, Leyte at 9:00 o’clock a.m.

The send-off ceremony was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Eliezer L. Losañes, AFP, Assistant Division Commander, 8ID; Atty. Rafael B. Olaño, Regional Election Director, COMELEC 8;  P/BGen. Ariel C. Arcinas, Deputy Director, PRO8; Commodore Edgar B. Boado, District Commander, Philippine Coast Guard EV; Lt. Col. Myroade R. De Leon, Group Commander, Tactical Operations Group 8, Philippine Air Force; Dr. Rhodora V. Sison; DepEd Region 8; Ustadh Ismael D, Cacharro, IMAM, Muslim Community; and Rev. Roberto B. Serrano, Christ Baptist Church, Tacloban City.

In his speech, Atty. Rafael B. Olaño, Regional Election Director, COMELEC 8 conveys his appreciation to the law enforcement agencies for their preparedness and dedication to serve this election.

“I am in awe of this massive show of unity; I am in awe of this massive show of readiness. Para sa iisang purpose at masaya ako at tayo ay nagkakaisa para gawin at tugonan ang purpose na ito, na tayo ay magkaroon ng credible, honest, peaceful at safe na eleksiyon.”  

In behalf of Commander, 8ID, Brig. Gen. Eliezer L. Losañes, Assistant Division Commander said that “our success in this endeavour will be a testament on how we have matured in democratic elections.  It would also be an enduring demonstration of our capability as instruments of the state to keep the integrity, sanctity, and security of elections.”

“As we send you of, our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and policemen in protecting our fellow Filipinos. I implore all of you to remain non-partisan and continue to reject all political favors of any form and from any side of the aspiring candidates,” Losañes added.

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8ID Joins the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – In the spirit of disaster preparedness and management, the 8ID joined the Office of the Civil Defense Region 8 in the conduct of the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on June 29, 2017 at the 8ID Headquarters.

Alarms simultaneously went off at 2 o’ clock in the afternoon, sounding the start of the supposed earthquake, with scenarios of casualty evacuation, collapsed structures and fire simulated to test the response of rescue teams, preparedness and awareness of military personnel in their respective work places.

This earthquake drill will enhance the Command’s scenario-based preparedness, response plans and recovery exercises. Lapses were taken into account during the conduct of the drill and later evaluated for revision.

Brig. Gen. Cesar M. Idio, Assistant Division Commander was satisfied with the cooperation, performance and participation of every concerned. “Pro-active awareness and preparedness are the key factors that will strengthen and ensure the survival of each and every one against an earthquake threat,” Idio said.

Major General Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8ID in his remarks; “the 8th Infantry Division has organized the Emergency Response Company who will serve as the “first responder” when disaster or calamity arises.” Farnacio said.

 “We are willing to share the experiences of our units as well as the skills that we learned in disaster preparedness. We have that skill and resources to react on simultaneous earthquake situations that we can employ to prevent, if not mitigate loss of lives that this disaster may bring in the region”. Farnacio added.

1 NPA Captured During a Brief Fire Fight

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY - A platoon from Samar Provincial Public Safety Company (SPPSC) and a team from Alpha Company, 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion while conducting Focus Military Operation (FMO) at Sitio Opong, Barangay Veloso, Marabut Samar encountered about 15 fully armed communist terrorists on June 26, 2017 at 5:00 o’ clock in the morning.

            A five-minute fire fight ensued which resulted to the capture of a certain Jojo Gerilla and the recovery of one (1) .45 pistol with one (1) magazine; assorted cartridge of M-16 5.56mm and M-14 7.62 mm empty shell; IED power source and triggering device with 200 meters of firing wire and five (5) kilograms of rice.

            The forewarning on the presence of an armed group from concerned villagers in the area shows a good rapport between the military and civilian populace which is a shared responsibility in preventing the communist terrorists to conduct atrocities that could impede the peace and development in the region.

            This NPA terrorist group shows how desperate and inconsiderate they are despite of the on-going tension in Marawi City.  Henceforth, they cannot stop our military troops in pursuing security operations until their presence is still in Eastern Visayas.  We encourage everyone to follow the path of peace and condemn those terrorist whose advocate is to bring violence and threat in the whole region.

            Likewise, Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, 8ID Commander commended the combined team from the Army and PNP for their efforts and dedication in the performance of their mandated duty.  The 8ID is providing support to the Philippine National Police and other concerned government agencies in creating a concept and understanding that security is a shared responsibility not just among security forces and government institutions but also of civil-society and the community.

8RCDG Celebrates the 38th National Reservists Week

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The 8th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) celebrates the 38th National Reservist Week with the theme, “Laang Kawal: Laging Handa sa Pagtugon sa Pangangailangan at Kusang Loob na Naglilingkod Para sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” on June 23 – 25 June 2017 at Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan City. 

       The three-day activity held at Headquarters 8th Infantry Division, PA is a Provincial Assembly Test to the 1st Western Samar Ready Reserve Battalion in order to determine the completeness of the Reserve Force fill-up; to account the actual number of AFP reservists in the area; disseminate awareness of the AFP Policies; improve their Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities; and to disseminate the direction of ROTC to the school administrators and cadets.

       The activity focuses on the significant contributions and roles of the trained and equipped reserve force of the country and its people through maintaining internal security and stability, participation in disaster/emergency response, community development activities and humanitarian assistance.

       

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio AFP in his message said: “I am pleased with your presence because the spirit of volunteerism is still in our youth today. Volunteerism is one of the many ways to show our patriotism to our country. You’ve chosen the right path to be among the selected few who served our country without expecting anything for return.”

 “Our constitution recognizes the role of the Citizen Armed Force as protector of the country and its people. In particular, the reserve force, in tandem with the regular counterparts, has played a significant role in maintaining internal security and stability by actively participating in humanitarian assistance, disaster response and community development activities. Let us all continue to work together for peace and progress in our country. Congratulations to all of us and Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!” Farnacio added.

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Provincial Youth Summit: Samar Island 2017 Formally Open

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The Provincial Youth Summit: Samar Island 2017 formally opened yesterday, June 22, 2017 at 7:00 o’ clock in the evening at Samar State University (SSU) Gymnasium, Catbalogan City, Samar. This is a 4-day activity that will culminate on June 25, 2017 which is embedded in lectures and team building activities.

Over 1,200 youths from the provinces of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar have participated in this activity that aims to promote the spirit of volunteerism and to prepare them to become dedicated public servants for the future generation.

            Maj Gen Raul M Farnacio in his message said: “Your generation revolves in the world of technology. You are active in social media which is nowadays the fastest means of communication unlike before in my generation; we were only dependent on books found in libraries or newspapers. You are very fortunate to have these advancements that could help promote change in this region.”

“Your presence tonight is a good indication that you really wanted to pursue change and development. I challenge each and every one of you to use your skills and talents for the development of our country. There will be days that fear will overcome your aspirations. Let us reject this, instead be hopeful and strong.  Trust yourself that you can contribute to our fellowmen and our country. Be a hero today! ” Farnacio added.