8ID Beefs Up with 122 Newly Enlisted Soldiers

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar –A total of 122 newly enlisted personnel join the ranks of the 8^th Infantry Division today at 9am in a symbolic ceremony that was held at the Camp Lukban Grandstand. The highlight of the affair was the ceremonial entrustment of firearms to the soldiers by representatives from both the public and private sector notable among which is Honourable Mel Senen Sarmiento, Representative of First District of Samar. The entrustment ceremony symbolizes the critical role of civilian authority in the performance of the soldier’s duty.

In a statement made by Major General Mario Chan, chief of the Army in Eastern Visayas, the primary duty of the new soldiers is to be instruments for peace and development.

“With these reasonable force that adds to the 8ID troopers, rest assure that our people can expect more than what we are doing for the sake of peace and development in this part of the country,” General Chan says.

Likewise, Congressman Sarmiento said in his message that the soldiers of 8^th Infantry Division have continuously manifested devotion to duty and to the Constitution.

“With these soldiers, I am optimistic that our problems against insurgency will surely come to an end by doing each and every one of us their part and protecting the human rights of the people for the ultimate attainment of peace not only in Samar but also in the whole region,” says Congressman Sarmiento.

The activity was also graced by the Vice Mayor of Catbalogan Hon. Art Gabon, City Councilor Hon. Stephanie Tan-Uy, Calbayog Bishop Most Rev. Isabelo Abarquez, and Rev. Fr. Dionesio Calderon. Two civilian volunteer communications groups namely the REACT and KABALIKAT Civicom complemented the affair along relatives and friends of new soldiers.