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.

-30-

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.