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.

NPA Harass Troops while Conducting Community Service

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – A squad of Task Group Alpha of 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion while conducting  Community Service at Barangay Paglaum, Carigara, Leyte was harassed by undetermined number of  NPA terrorist group on June 19, 2017 at around 9:10 o’clock in the evening.

            

This activity is intended to deliver basic services to interior barangays that will promote economic development and will address the problems affecting peace and security.

            

Initial result of the harassment disclosed that PFC Reynaldo C. Llemos, suffered a gunshot wound on the left side of his stomach. He was immediately brought to Saint Paul’s Hospital, Tacloban City for immediate medical treatment while undetermined casualties on the enemy side.

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, 8ID Commander ensures that no matter what conflict may arise that needs to be addressed, the soldiers are ready to dedicate their lives. Your Army in Eastern Visayas will still pursue and continue its mandated duty to protect the welfare of the populace in the far flung areas.  The 8ID is calling the massive support of the communities to report any presence of armed group in their barangays to help stop violence that hinders the fast development of the region.

135 Candidate Soldiers Take Oath

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The Candidate Soldiers Course Class 462-2017 composed of 135 new aspirants was formally opened on June 1, 2017 at Stormtroopers Jungle Base, Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar with Brig. Gen. Francisco F. Mendoza, Jr, Commander, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army as the Keynote Speaker.

            

         

  The majority of the newly selected batch of Candidate Soldiers came from the island of Samar 76; 32 from Leyte and Southern Leyte; four from Bohol; eight from Luzon; and 15 from the island of Mindanao. Three of them are licensed professionals; 18 are college graduates and mostly reached in high school level with TESDA schoolings.

            They will be honed for the duration of six months in basic military training and tactics and will serve as additional soldiers that will beef-up the personnel strength of the whole 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division to include the Infantry Battalions deployed in Mindanao.

           

Brig. Gen. Francisco F Mendoza, Jr in his message said, “Inaasahan ko na kayong lahat, pagkalipas ng anim na buwan ay kumpleto kayong magtatapos at taas noong ninyong haharapin ang inyong graduation at ang inyong panunumpa bilang mga newly enlisted privates ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas.  At inaasahan ko rin, kapag kayo ay naging ganap na sundalo ng Philippine Army, ay matatapos ninyo ang inyong serbisyo ng buong husay at nang buong katapatan.  Yan ang hamon na iiwan ko sa inyo bilang mga susunod na magigiting naming sundalo.” Brig Gen Mendoza added.

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.

NPA Threats Led to Massive Evacuation in Calbiga

CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – About 549 household from the barangays of Cambagtic, Bulao, San Mauricio, Guimbanga, Minata, Sinalangtan, Caamlungan, Binangaran, Daligan and Buluan all of Calbiga, Samar fled their respective communities to seek shelter to the town gymnasium from April 4 – 7, 2017.

One of the Barangay Chairmen from upper barangay claimed that residents were forced to evacuate on the grounds of threat from communist terrorists that they will conduct an attack against the 87^th IB troops at the said area and they were ordered purportedly by the New People's Army to troop down to avoid being caught in a possible crossfire with government troops.  The passing of the villagers of Canbagtic to other barangays spread like wildfire of the above mentioned rumors which the residents panicked and also evacuated, triggering a mass exodus to the town gymnasium.

       Combined efforts of 87^th IB, Municipal Police Station (MPS), Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) and Local Government Unit (LGU) reached at a dialogue with the evacuees to solve the current situation represented by their respective Barangay Chairmen, agreed to convince the residents to return to their community.

Local DSWD distributed relief goods to the evacuees and the LGU of Calbiga provided trucks for transportation back to their respective barangays. Most of the evacuees returned to their communities but some refused and opted to stay at the covered court as of press time.

       Your Army in Eastern Visayas is deploying community peace and developments teams which are encouraging community based initiatives defined by the local communities, with local government units coordinating efforts against insurgency, geared towards presenting long-term solutions while at the same time addressing the immediate needs of the local community.

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