8ID: ‘NDF is not sincere for peace talk’

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The recent pronouncement of the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) demand for peace talk is a mere ploy to advance their offensives against the government.

With the newest atrocity perpetrated by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas, it shows that CPP-NPA-NDF upsurges their expert uses of lies and propaganda to steal glory against the people and the state.

In Leyte province, troops of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion on board two (2) vehicles on their way to their camp to adhere to the suspension of military operations (SOMO) were fired upon by the undetermined number of communist terrorist somewhere in Brgy Candigahob, Carigara town, around 9 p.m. last night. Fortunately, no one was reported hurt in the incident.

In Northern Samar, around 3 p.m. yesterday in the boundary of Brgys Sta. Fe and Perez all of Las Navas town, undetermined number of rebels waylaid the withdrawing troops who are supposed to “back to barracks” to observe the government’s declaration of SOMO for the Yuletide seasons and to give-way the desire of the NDF for peace-talk.

The rebels used destructive improvised mines to assure of the fatality of the troops. Two (2) soldiers were reported wounded and ten (10) others were killed. One innocent minor Joven Cabe was also reported murdered who was just swimming in the river banks.

The 8th Infantry Division’s leadership was dismayed with how the rebels take advantage with the command’s abidance of the peace mechanisms being orchestrated in the higher level. It only shows their true intention why peace talk is once again brought out of the picture.

Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s chief condemns in the strongest possible terms the insincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in their demand to engage in peace talk. He also condemns the persistent violation of the terrorist NPA on human rights and international humanitarian law.

“Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is both signed by the NDF and our government is totally abused and disrespected. Serious violation of our people’s rights is deemed condemnable in the strongest possible terms,” declares Major General Chan.

It can also be recalled just recently in Las Navas, a pumped boat load of troops with civilians who will attend the Brgy Peace and Order Council (BPOC) of Poponton was mercilessly attacked by these terrorists that resulted to the killing of two (2) civilians including one minor Edwin Gudcad and wounding two (2) others. These were already condemned by the people both locally and internationally.

“I keep on challenging the different human rights advocates who keep on roaring over the violation of people’s rights to condemn this upsurge of human rights violation. Now that they are vulgarly exposed their true colors, my question remain still. Why don’t you bark once more and condemn these brutal godless monsters that mercilessly attacked the defenseless people? Prove now that you are really for the human rights of the people, and not for the rights of these terrorists,” says General Chan.

Major General Chan also said that the Army units in the area will remain committed in their mandate to continuously uphold the Constitutional thrusts despite insincerity of the other party. The 8ID thru their field units is now conducting constant coordination with the PNP to run after the perpetrators and let them face the charges bounded by the law.

“This incident would not make our desire to stop insurgency in the province for the benefit of our people, instead we will continue to pursue these terrorists until finally put an end on their violence,” Chan adds.

“We salute the heroism paid for by our troops who rendered the supreme sacrifice of offering their lives for the true spirit of service, peace and democracy. We bestowed upon them the highest regards that the Armed Forces as well as the people can be best confer. Although it is always sad in our part, our deepest condolences to the love ones left by our comrades-in-arms”” vows General Chan. ###

Government troops find another NPA camp

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Operating elements of 63rd Infantry Battalion discovered an NPA camp at vicinity of Brgy. Bagacay, Palapag, Northern Samar at about 1:00 pm. December 10, 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, 63IB commander acted on a report volunteered by the local populace that fully armed CTs are conducting extortion activities in the area. Upon receiving the complaint, he immediately deployed his troops and afterward discovered NPA camp in the outskirt of the barangay that can accommodate more or less 70 Communists Terrorists (CTs) with forty (40) makeshift bunkers, with one (1) comfort room and it has three (3) kitchens.

Base on the data of 8ID, 48 encampments were already discovered by the government troops since August this year. One of this is the main camp of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that of National Organization Department (NOD) of the Centarl Committee of the CPP that were discovered in the tri boundaries of three (3) provinces of Samar Island.

According to Major General Mario F Chan, 8ID’s chief, the discovery of said camp is a product of information provided by the local populace who are against the CTs’ harassment, extortion and human rights violations, a clear manifestation that they desire peace and stability in their area.

The government troops still scouring the vicinity to track down the CTs possible location or in areas where they shift as they evade confrontation with the government troops.###

14IB discovers NPA’s war materiel cache

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Various war materiel owned by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) were recovered by the elements of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in the boundary of Maslog, Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar late morning of December 7.

Reports disclosed that the enemy’s war items were safely kept in a concealed haven in the said area that was just revealed through a tip from a knowledgeable civilians.

Recovered items were two (2) improvised landmine, two (2) rifle grenades, three (3) blasting caps, 31 rounds of ammo for K3 (linked), voluminous subversive documents, hand outs in making improvised explosive devices (IED), stethoscope and blood pressure apparatus which are believed to have been kept following the successive discovery/seizure of various enemy camps in Samar by the government troops.

Said items are still in the possession of the operating troops and are being transported to their headquarters for proper disposition.

Still in Northern Samar, two (2) civilians were killed and two also were wounded following a brutal and merciless ambush perpetrated by the terrorist NPA in the periphery of Brgy. Taylor, Las Navas.

The slain civilians were identified as Julie Casio, former Chairman of Brgy Poponton of Las Navas town and Edwin Gudcad, 15 year old, son of the pump boat operator. Winifredo Gudcad and the assistant boatman Leo Impes were wou

Wounded civilian was immediately evacuated to Catubig District Hospital for immediate treatment prior to evacuation to Catarman Provincial Hospital for more intensive medication. Wounded civilian is now under appropriate medication as of press time.

Troops of 63rd and 87th Infantry Battalions and the 3rd Scout Rangers Company are already conducting pursuit operations in order to track down the fleeing terrorists.

63IB is also preparing all of the necessary documents and witnesses for filing of legal charges against the terrorists involved in the said ambush of innocent civilians.

The incident is another NPA’s violation on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL) for targeting unarmed and innocent civilians as what they considered as soft targets.

“This is a total violation of our people’s right and must be condemned in a strongest possible term. This must be looked after by our human rights advocates and sue these terrorist who vehement pursue their bloody ideology. This is the time to work hand in hand against these terrorist. All of us should be united. If we will remain working solitarily against these insurgents, we’ll just allow them to blemish the precious rights of our people,” General Chan says. ###

8ID REMAINS APOLITICAL

Camp General Vicente Lukban: In response to an article written by one Gina Dean-Ragudo published in Samar News.com on 18 November 2010 . In her article, the author wrote the following allegations against personnel and units of the Command: First is against 2LT Eduardo Mendoza of 34th Infantry Battalion under this Command for distributing unsigned letters forcing barangay captains of Paranas, Samar to attend a meeting in Barangay Calapi, Motiong, Samar. Allegedly, the said unsigned letter was expressly directing the said barangay captains to attend an orientation seminar on Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) and to witness some talks initiated by officials of the province on development projects of the barangay to be given by Congresswoman Milagrosa Tan; Second is about the name of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB who was also maliciously dragged in again distributing the unsigned letters forcing the barangay captains and SK officials of San Jose de Buan, Samar to attend a similar activity; and Lastly, Ms Gina Dean-Ragudo also indicted certain SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB of allegedly exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections.

In response to the said article, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army strongly denies all the allegations as written by the author. MGen Mario F Chan, the Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in his firm statement stated that: “Under my watch, the 8ID remains apolitical and steadfast in its mandate of eradicating the insurgency problem in the area of operations particularly in Samar and Leyte islands to achieve genuine peace and development”.

The 8th Infantry Division has various programs and activities aimed to uplift the well-being of the people in the areas being entrusted to our care. These programs and activities include the Army Literacy Patrol System or ALPS, a national winner of the Literacy Program of the Department of Education benefiting the out-of-school youths and adults illiterates; various medical and dental civic action activities for indigents; Public information Patrol or information awareness among the populace; and the Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) for the barangay populace, among others. These programs and activities are being undertaken in coordination with different stakeholders such as the LGUs, LGAs, NGOs, POs, CSOs, Local Chief Executives irrespective of their political affiliations having that common end of rendering service to our people.

On the allegation of the author, she in fact stated that the alleged letter with the name of 2LT Mendoza that was distributed to the different barangay officials forcibly directing them to attend the ITDSS orientation seminar is unsigned. That being the case, the said letter is in itself an unofficial document that could have been done or made by somebody or anybody with the intention of maligning the 34IB as an organization. While the ITDSS is considered as one of the programs of 34IB, the unit implements it through the spirit of volunteerism by not forcing anybody’s involvement in it if it is against their will and belief. However, since the said program that is aimed to safeguard the barangay from the intrusion of terroristic groups was being conceptualized in the spirit of a bayanihan system that solicit the support of other stakeholders to make it fully work as a system. On the other hand, the alleged involvement of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB, LTC WILLIAM PENAFIEL JR, the Commanding Officer of the said unit also denies the involvement of his men in any political undertaking. According to him, there is no meeting or assembly related to ITDSS that took place in San Jose de Buan. The headquarters of 34IB is in the heart of San Jose de Buan municipality and if there is any activity related to the programs of 34IB, being the Commander, he is the first one to know. On the allegation that SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections, is again baseless and unfounded. A mere SSg who is only acting in his capacity as a detachment commander, could not in any manner influence the relief of a CAFGU from his duty considering that CAFGUs are geographical forces aimed to render service in their own locality as prescribed by AFP. Also, the relief of a certain CAFGU from his post or a termination from his duties requires a process and approval from higher headquarters.

While the 8ID stands firm of isolating itself as an organization in politics, it is also a Command policy to get rid of its members who in any manner, committed any acts prejudicial to good order. While we also appreciate the efforts of our friends from the media, we are also calling on them to refrain from publishing such an article that could tarnish the good image of the military as an organization. If indeed they have any legitimate concerns or complaints on the actuations or any infractions committed by our troops, they could present it to us. We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on that. We will not tolerate any wrongdoings of our personnel and we assure the people that we are here to serve them, not for the interest of any individuals or groups.

Major General Chan further stressed in his statement, “We have nothing to do with politics. Our business is peace and order of Samar Island. Anyone who will go against peace and order will be subject of our actions as we implement the rule of law. Let us therefore be vigilant and continue to work hand and hand to achieve a genuine peace and ultimately development for the people of this area”. The good General concluded.

802nd Infantry Brigade meets new commander

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade met its new commander after a humble yet meaningful change of command ceremony that was held in their headquarters in Carmen, Bohol today.

It was presided by no less than the commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Mario Chan which was also witnessed by the top brasses of the Army in Eastern Visayas and friends from different agencies and stakeholders such as Congressman Aumentado, Governor Chato and the Municipal Mayor of Carmen, Bohol.

After almost two (2) years of driving the successes of his brigade against the insurgents in Bohol and Cebu provinces, Brigadier General Alan Luga who will be assuming a higher post and responsibility in the Armed Forces satisfactorily relinquished his commandership to his successor, Colonel John Bonafos.

It was during the stint of Brigadier General Luga as commander of the said brigade when Internal Security Operations (ISO) responsibility in Bohol, Cebu and Biliran provinces were handed over to their respective Peace and Order Councils (POC).

On the other hand, Colonel Bonafos was not new in the area as he was one amongst those who gave their share of ISO accomplishments in Bohol being the former commanding officer of 15IB and the former deputy brigade commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Bohol.

In his assumption speech, he said that, as a new commander of 802nd Brigade, he will focus his efforts to sustain the peace that reigns in Bohol and to prevent the re-incursion of the Communist Terrorists (CTs) to the provinces declared as insurgent free already.

Meanwhile, Major General Chan thanked Brigadier General Luga for his remarkable accomplishments that brought change of lives to the people in the area. He also congratulated General Luga for a job well done.

He likewise expressed his appreciation to the local leaders of the province such as Congressman Aumentado, Governor Chato and the municipal mayors for spearheading the fight against the insurgents.

“The success in Bohol is a classic example on winning against the CPP-NPA having the LCEs on the lead in the partnership with the Army,” General Chan concludes. ###

Government troops discover another NPA camp

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Operating elements of 3rd Scout Ranger Company discovered an NPA camp at vicinity Brgy. Rufino, Las Navas, Northern Samar at about 1:30 p.m. December 3, Friday

Accordingly, troops received information coming from concerned citizen regarding the presence of armed men in their locality. Troops immediately acted on the information received thru text message and discovered NPA camp that can accommodate more or less 20 Communist Terrorists (CTs) with ten (10) makeshift hut bunkers, two (2) post and it has a water point at its vicinity with early warning devices installed in its periphery.

It can be recalled, from August to date, 38 encampments of the CTs were already discovered by the government troops. One of this is the main camp of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that of the National Organization Department (NOD) of the Central Committee of the CPP that were discovered in the tri boundaries of three (3) provinces of Samar Island.

Colonel Oscar Lopez, the commanding officer of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade based at Catarman, Northern Samar disclosed that the occupants of the newly discovered camp was planning to conduct sniping and ambuscades to the operating troops of the government.

Meanwhile, Major Mario F Chan, 8ID’s chief extended his appreciation to the local folks for the timely information that resulted to the discovery of said camp applauded his men for a job well done.

He also said that, with the continues support of our people, we will soon achieve the long deprive peace and development in Region 8.###

8ID starts month-long Christmas celebration

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army formally kicked off the month-long celebration for the Christmas season with a ceremonial switch-on of Christmas lights held in front of its Headquarters building here.

The switch-on ceremony, preceded by a Christmas lantern contest was witnessed by civilian guests, military personnel, civilian employees, military dependents and other civilian personalities from Catbalogan.

In a simple program Dr. Dominador Q Cabangon, Ph.D., one of the judges in the lantern contest, in his message, saluted the 8ID for the good work and acknowledged the Command’s continuing effort of rendering service to the people of Samar Province. He expressed his feelings of delight seeing the craftsmanship of the stormtroopers as evidenced by the colorful lantern entries made of indigenous materials. He also, appreciated the 8ID’s unique way of observing the Yuletide Season through the ceremonial switching of christmas lights that illuminated the entire 8ID Headquarters Building and its peripheries.

Major General Mario F Chan, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said that the switch-on of Christmas lights is just one of the activities lined up for the month-long Christmas celebration. Others are Search for Christmas singing soldier, sports fest which aims to promote sports development, camaraderie, esprit-de-corps and sportsmanship among the military personnel and a variety show during the stormtroopers night. The activity will be highlighted by raffle draw among the personnel of the Command.

After the ceremony Maj. Gen. Chan distributed Certificate of Appreciation to the jurors of Christmas lantern contest which was followed by one minute fireworks presentation while the 8ID choirs with Stormtroopers Band sings Christmas carols to the delight of the audience.

This is the 8ID’s way of celebrating the Christmas season, as the Command believes that spirit of Christmas should be enjoyed and cherished by all peace-loving Filipino citizens of the country.

8ID troops apprehend NPA regular member

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – As a result of pursuit operations conducted by the troops of Alpha Company of the 8ID’s 87th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Northern Samar, one (1) regular member of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was apprehended at Brgy Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar at around 1: 32 p.m., November 29.

The CT member was identified as Domingo Hinandoy alias Ninoy, a full time guerilla member. Hinandoy revealed that he had participated in a series of combat activities, like ambush in Jipapad and Gamay of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, respectively and a squad member of alias Jessie (true name unknown) an identified recruiter at Sinunugan de Tubang, Sivino Lobos, Northern Samar. He also named some personalities belonging to his squad.

In a report made by Lieutenant Colonel Leo Lorenzo Madroñal, commanding officer of 87IB disclosed that the unit acted upon a report text by the local populace regarding a band of CT’s conducting extortion activities in their area.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division commended the soldiers for a job well done. He likewise extends his thanks to the people of Brgy Osmeña, Las Navas of Northern Samar for the information that was timely provided to the soldiers.

“If these cooperation from civil society will continue, we can easily defeat or totally eradicate the insurgents that hampered our peace and development here in Eastern Visayas”, Major General Chan adds.

As of press time, Hinandoy is undergoing custodial debriefing at the Headquarters of 87IB for further filing of appropriate charges.###