New Army infantry battalion born in Region 8

Catbalogan City -- The 87th Infantry Battalion, the newest activated infantry battalion of the Philippine Army was born in the heart of the Army's 8th Infantry Division on April 15 to further strengthen the Internal Security Operations (ISO) in Eastern Visayas.

Dubbed as the "Hinirang" Battalion which saw the first light in the east will soon be deployed in some areas within the region after its activation in the morning of April 15, to advance the Army's concern for peace and development.

The activation was carried out through a simple yet meaningful ceremony in front of the command grandstand with the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees as witnesses.

Major General Arthur Tabaquero, the 8ID's commanding general, piloted the activation and the installation of its first Acting Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Leo Lorenzo Madroñal who is a native of Iligan City.

"Don't fail me," were the few but meaningful words of Major General Tabaquero to Lt. Col. Madroñal, as he handed over the unit color.

These statements underscore the Commander's desire to keep in cadence with the Division's sustained military's operation in attaining decisive victory against the local terrorist groups and to guarantee a credible and peaceful May 2010 elections.

In his short assumption speech, Lt. Col. Madroñal encouraged his troops to work very hard for according to him, there are lots of things to work on and relaxation is a sort of less priority.

He also gave his assurance to maintain the high expectation given to his leadership for being selected as the first to command the newly-born battalion.

Meanwhile, Major General Tabaquero said in his message that another history is yet to uncover. Whether good or bad, once it is written, no more time to erase.

"The only thing needed to make your mission is accomplished is your best? the issue on scarcity is always present, it is only up to you to further advance your vision and mission to achieve your goals with the presence of limitation?" the good general added.

"With the advent of the 87IB, the sons and daughters of Samar-Leyte will be more secured and more assured that the 8ID's effort in aiding other stakeholders in nation building will be doubled and the campaign against local terrorist groups will be strengthened for the ultimate attainment of peace towards development." vowed Major General Tabaquero.

8ID sends off new breed of soldiers

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar - One hundred four strong and determined newly appointed "Privates" were sent-off by the Army's 8th Infantry Division, Tuesday afternoon after satisfactorily completed the designed four months of rigid pre-entry military training.

These young blooded soldiers were proportionally distributed to all field units under 8ID to fill-up the strength vacuumed by some personnel who retired from the military service.

In a send-off ceremony officiated by the 8ID’s head, Major General Arthur Tabaquero in-front of the command's grandstand, young soldiers couldn’t hide their excitement knowing that after few months, (while others are years starting from their application until graduation), their dream of serving the country is about to fulfill.

Major General Tabaquero reminded the young at heart yet brave breed of soldiers to always abide with the existing policy and regulation as their guiding principles while in the service.

He also reminded the troops to be disciplined at all times and protect the people as being mandated by law to whom the soldiers are serving.

He further stressed that the respect for human rights should be atop of its priority when accomplishing their assigned mission and tasks.

And lastly, Major General Tabaquero also said that despite of being physically tactically ready for the battle, he also reminded everyone to be spiritually equipped.

He advised the troops to always put God first before every mission execution especially when going out of the combat zone for he said that nothing is impossible if God intercedes.

Before the conclusion of the humble ceremony, the Officers and other NCO led by Major General Tabaquero distributed individual pocket New Testament Bibles from Gideon International for their spiritual battle. #