AFP Chief of Staff commends the 8ID Command’s successful engagement with the Civil Society Organizations and the LGUs

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com

July 11, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY – In a routine visit to the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, ACS General Eduardo SL Oban Jr. has personally congratulated the 8ID family for its outstanding accomplishments for the 1st semester of 2011. The accomplishments were in line with the objectives of the Internal Peace Security Plans-Bayanihan (IPSP Bayanihan).

Based on the over-all performance evaluation conducted by the AFP General Headquarters, two (2) brigades (801st and 803rd) were included in the top 5 list and three (3) Battalions (14IB, 19IB and 34IB) of the “Stormtroopers” were made part of the top 10 list of performing units of the Philippine Army. It has recorded 36 encounters, 46 firearms recovered and 22 enemies neutralized.

Gen. Oban commended MGen Mario Chan for his strong leadership. He cited Chan’s concretely-planned and critically-analysed strategies that paved way to the 8ID’s successes. Jokingly, Gen. Oban said that they both belonged to the “Plans Family” because they never stopped planning.

“The IPSP will be largely dependent upon the Commander’s imagination, creativity and appreciation of the environment and strategic aspects in the implementation of his campaign plans”, Oban disclosed.

Furthermore, he appreciated the efforts of the 8ID leadership for its successful engagements with the non-military sectors such as the non-government organizations, people’s organizations, church and the academe.

“Each and every member of the society should be with us because we only have one dream – to have a lasting peace. We saw this in all the efforts shown by the 8ID under the leadership of Gen. Chan. We should encourage our stakeholders and plan on how to invite them to participate and get the support of the other sectors. This was achieved by the General. He has good relations with the LGUs. They are important because they are the ones who will implement the delivery of the basic services and projects. This is the challenge for all commanders. Our only role is to catalyze the stakeholders towards the road going to the attainment of our objectives” Oban stressed.

“Let’s commend the 8ID for the direction towards road networks development and the implementation of projects under PAMANA of our government. We have played a very important role in the first quarter. Let’s sustain the efforts” was Gen. Oban’s continuing challenge to the officers and men present.

On the other hand, MGen Chan commits to pursue his development agenda for Samar in response to the public-private partnerships that are being encouraged under the IPSP Bayanihan. The General has been repeatedly heard talking about the military’s vital role and participation in the implementation of the proposed road infrastructures that would interconnect the tri-boundaries of Samar.

In a latest report, ground breaking activity preparations for the Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project are now being facilitated. Chan disclosed that coordination meetings have already been made with the DPWH, the Department of National Defense and the military’s Engineering Units and the Local chief Executives for its immediate implementation. He expects the road to be passable by the end of September 2011.

Chan is not all bothered by reports that his leadership at the 8ID is presently being challenged by a group’s petition to unseat him due to unconfirmed reports or allegations of being involved in political partisanship. He strongly denies the allegations and asserts on the non-partisan status of his position.

“Decision like this is political in nature that is dictated by the incumbent leadership. The AFP will just abide by it. If I will be ordered to move out of the 8ID, I have to obey because I am a soldier in the first place. I am ready for it, to accept whatever decision. Meantime, I will just do what I can do while I’m here. I assure everyone that I have been fair in my dealings with everybody and I will continue my commitment to change Samar Island and make it one of the best tourists’ destination,” was the General’s ready answer.

Chan is confident that he has the support of the multi-sectoral groups who also dream of developing Samar. The recently held Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) assembly attended by the three (3) Bishops of the Samar islands and representatives of the civil society groups, expressed an all-out support to Chan’s clear direction in ensuring the peace and development of the area. Specifically, he stressed the urgency of interconnecting the three islands thru the road networks. This, according to him, will be the road that would end the war against poverty and would uplift the lives of the people.

Gen. Oban furthermore believes that the 8ID’s outstanding performance and the good feedbacks that he’s gathered from all other sectors would be enough to keep Gen. Chan in command until he completes the implementation of his plans and programs that would serve the interests of the majority in his area of responsibility.

In a related story, the AFP Chief of Staff also took the opportunity of disseminating the various programs that would boost the morale and welfare of the troops. He announced the availability of 10 thousand housing units for the AFP and another 10 thousand units for the PNP. The continuity of the Pension Plans Benefits was assured and the proposed reforms or changes will be made effective for the newcomers only.

With reference to the suggested reforms during his assumption speech, Gen. Oban informed that the commissary services have already been improved, thereby making available supplies for their daily needs at reasonable prices. This was intended to increase the purchasing power of the soldiers.

Likewise, he is decisive in pushing reforms on logistics and financial management. He recalled how the AFP Fund Scam affected every soldier and their families when the AFP was tagged as the most corrupt agency in the government.

“It became a challenge to show the people that we are a model of good governance – make the organization stronger and transparent in all our actions. I will leave footprints behind with things that I expect to happen within the year. And I will also leave a blueprint that will serve as guide for our future leadership to push for financial reforms” was how Oban concretized the challenge to fight corruption in the AFP.

“Reforms cannot be done overnight. Slowly, we see the weaknesses and continuous improvement happens. We are focused on an 18 point action plan to include reforms on logistics, management, training and personnel. This will be implemented in my incumbency. We will leave blueprints. Until now, slowly, we are creating public trust and confidence. Actually, we have also been receiving expressions of support and encouragement for us to continue the challenge” explains Gen Oban as he suggests for the revisiting of the AFP organizational structure and system.

The soldiers were once again reminded to strictly abide with the provisions of the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law. Oban proudly disclosed that since his assumption, there were no human rights violations received in the newly created AFP Human Rights Office.

“Hopefully, it will continue and become part of the culture of the AFP to become agents of human security”, Oban said.

“I don’t want half-baked or half-cooked reforms for the soldiers. We belong to the Plans Family. Kaya puro plano kami. Kailanangang planuhin namin yan para alam namin pagdating sa dulo kung hanggang saan lang tayo at kung hanggang saan ang ipagpapatuloy ng papalit sa akin. Ganyang klase ang gusto nating approach. Ayoko yung i-coconcentrate natin para masabing tinapos ko yan. Half cooked. Process properly. Kung aabot hanggang December, we leave a blue print for their continuous implementation. We also have a mechanism for feedback para continuous ang improvement and enhancement” were Gen. Oban’s final statements.

8ID rescued a minor NPA regular member

Barangay, Magsaysay, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – Responding to the reported presence of armed NPA’s collecting food stuffs and conducting extortion activities in the area of San Isidro, Northern Samar, the troops of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion rescued a minor NPA regular member after a brief encounter last July 2, 2011 at around 7:30 in the morning at arngay Mabuhay,

San Isidro, Northern Samar.

Lieutenant Colonel NOEL A VESTUIR, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, identified the rescued minor as John-John Cuanico y Lebio @ Tom, 17 years old, a regular NPA member belonging to Squad 3, PLTN 1, F1, NSPPC, EVRPC operating in the areas of San Isidro, Bobon, Tinambacan and Oquendo district of Calbayog City. John-John Cuanico was recruited in the underground movement by alyas “Imaw” last 2008 at the age of 14.

The rescue of the said minor came after the government troops discovered the presence of the armed NPAs in the area as a result of information given by the residents of Barangay Mabuhay, San Isidro, Northern Samar. 20IB has dispatched a platoon from Charlie Company under 1LT ADRIAN PHILIP PUBLICO that was tasked to respond to the reported presence of armed NPAs collecting food stuffs, conducting extortion activities and recruiting minors. Upon reaching the said area, the troops encountered the group of alyas “Imaw”. Exchange of fire lasted for about 15 minutes which resulted to the overrun of the NPA camp, the rescue of John-john Cuanico, the recovery of one (1) Cal.45 pistol from his possession, assorted ammunitions, magazine assembly for M14, a back pack, personal belongings, numerous subversive documents of high intelligence value and CPP/NPA propaganda materials.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, Commander of 8th Infantry Division, lauded the troops from 20IB for a job well done and further commended the collaborative effort between the civilians and the soldiers. The general also thanked the people for their continued support and cooperation in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”. General Chan also said: “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to rescue another minor from the trap of communist ideals and saved his future. The rescue of John-john who is a minor, has indeed proven the gross disrespect by the NPAs on the rights of children”, the general concluded.###

WHO IS THE REAL EVIL?

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – The 8TH Infantry Division, as always, is the target of criticism and complete detestation by the defrocked priest turned NDF-EV Spokesperson, Mr Santiago Salas. However, this time, the loud mouthed former priest, included in his never ending complaints the SIPPAD, a multi-sectoral assembly for peace and development backed by the three bishops of Samar Island. In his statement, last 29 June 2011, Mr Salas accused 8TH ID to have been using the SIPPAD to rubber-stamp “Oplan Bayanihan” claiming the new AFP counter-insurgency approach is no different from the Bantay Laya concept. Mr Salas also added that the SIPPAD is committing a very dangerous mistake in rubber-stamping the 8th ID’s road project proposal in Samar Island.

“What a pity this misguided rebel priest has become. He is really determined to do everything to prevent peace and prosperity in Samar Island. He will continue and will relentlessly push the issue just to prevent development for he knows for a fact that it is only development that will end the 40-year long existence of CPP-NPA-NDF, an organization of deceit and violence headed by people whose main interest is for personal advancement. When will Mr Salas stop this kind of baseless accusations and cease from preventing progress? Why can they come down, join the mainstream society and participate in our projects in quest for peace and prosperity? Isn’t it better to join our efforts to alleviate the lives of those less fortunate instead of criticizing those people and organization, government and non government who are doing the right thing for our own people? I really pity Mr Salas. He is a victim and a slave of an erroneous belief and selfish leaders. Since Fr Salas constantly criticizes the road projects, I’d like to ask him what he and the organization he protects has done to give our people a better life. I know the answer already but I want to hear from his big mouth. It’s a big “NONE”. If Fr Salas will succeed in preventing the road project, which I strongly believed will not, what alternatives does he have? If he is really for the people, why can’t he tell the people publicly his own plan to ease the Samarnons from the difficulty of having no roads particularly in the tri-boundary of Samar Island” says Major General Mario Chan, Commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division.

It is nothing but common to CPP-NPA-NDF to criticize the military having been the government spearhead in defeating its armed component, the NPA. However, it is very rare and it is new that this group directed its criticism against the Bishops and accused them of aiding the AFP in its Oplan Bayanihan which they said as no different from Oplan Bantay Laya in pursuing the purely military solution to armed conflict as well as eschewing human rights and international humanitarian law. This baseless statement is equivalent to accusing the Bishops of aiding the AFP to commit violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. This is a display of disrespect at its best and must be condemned by the church.

More surprisingly, Salas chastised and accused the Catholic Church in Samar of waltzing with the military through SIPPAD. Salas even questioned the Catholic Church by saying that the Bishops are turning their backs away from the majority of its flock who are mostly peasants. These statements of Salas were seriously contested by Major General Chan.

“It is a deceitful challenge and a complete disregard to the Catholic Church. The Bishops and the Catholic Church are always for the people regardless of religious sect and denominations. I strongly believe in that thought for it is the reality and it is unquestionable. All they want is for the goodness of every son of God living in an environment of peace and prosperity, a vision of SIPPAD that the 8th Infantry Division mutually shares with. How about the rebel priest Fr Salas? He has not presented any vision or project for Region 8. I am sure it is because he does not have any and he only thinks of himself and what he can get from the people. Who is he to question the noble intention and credibility of the three Bishops? He really deserved to be dismissed from priesthood. I am posting this as a challenge to Fr Salas.”

Demonstrating again the ignorance of the NDF-EV Spokesperson, Fr Salas has been repeatedly bringing out the issue that the Oplan Bayanihan is based on the US Counter-insurgency Guide. Isn’t he really aware that “Bayanihan” is a virtue integral to every Filipino? Bayanihan is the natural character of a true Filipino who is always ready to join hands to accomplish matters that cannot be done without the help of each other. What a shame to Salas. He forgot the ways of a real and genuine Filipino. He might as well join his fellow big mouth coward Jose Maria Sison in Netherlands.

Fr Salas also chided that while the Commander of 8th ID is talking of peace and developments, the soldiers are conducting offensive operations in Samar and Leyte. Gen Chan affirmed and said that it is true but not accurate.

“Yes it is partially true and I’m happy for him that at least few factual words come out from his mouth. But to understand it better, few factual words of Salas must be separated from the fictitious and deceitful ones. It is true that the soldiers are there in the mountains of Samar and Leyte even now as I’m giving these statements. They are there for security operations to prepare those areas for the entry of development and deny the group of Fr Salas, the NPAs, from preventing the construction projects. The soldiers are there to ensure that the projects, once they kick off, will not be hampered and be subjected to extortions by the group of Fr Salas. Everybody knows that and everybody will agree if I will say that is the way of life of the bandits like the NPAs, the group of Fr Salas.”

The rebel priest NDF-EV spokesperson further said that Major General Chan crowed to the media about receiving new weapons, electronic equipment and military vehicles from the US. Likewise, Salas’ statement was affirmed by Major General Chan. However, he (Major General Chan) laughed and slammed Salas’ informant for giving him (Salas) inaccurate information.

“Yes it is also correct that we acquired and we will continue to acquire many of these equipment as part of the AFP modernization program. However, Fr Salas was given wrong information when he said that the new equipment came from the US. The equipment were actually purchased from Korea and not from US. Anybody can confirm it. Check the brand of the new vehicles, its KIA vehicles. Fr Salas, your intelligence networks is not giving you the right information leading you to give false statements” says Major General Chan with a big smile on his face.

Fr Salas also recycled the issue that the US is at the back of the road projects. General Chan once again categorically declared the allegations of NDF-EV to be baseless and immaterial. He repeated his statement on June 2 of this year.

“8ID and the different agencies continuously supporting the road projects are not connected with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Even the funds that will be used are not coming from any foreign organizations. It just happened that MCC has a similar project in the province which was already pronounced early last year and which I think will also help our province to move forward. I feel pity for Mr Salas; he is desperately doing anything just to prevent development and the imminent defeat of the NPA bandits he protects.”

In his final statement, Fr Salas urged the people of Samar to strengthen their militant and revolutionary struggles against 8ID. He said that the people must strengthen the struggle for human rights and other socio economic reforms and support and join the revolutionary struggle for social justice, national freedom and democracy.

Salas, as he always be, is confusing the people through this statement. It may be nice to hear for some with low level of understanding and adventurous attitude. But it serves its purpose. It is really the objective of Salas’ final statement to deceive people. He is promoting protection of human rights but he is urging the people to strengthen their militant and revolutionary struggles against the legitimate Armed Forces of the country. We all know that nobody can prevent bloodshed and loss of lives in a militant and revolutionary struggle. We also know that the right to life is the highest form of human rights. Isn’t he, himself, Fr Salas, violating the people’s right to life when he urged them to strengthen the militant and revolutionary struggles? Now, it is left to the people to conclude who is the real evil? Is it the 8ID together with SIPPAD backed by the three Bishops or the dismissed priest turned rebel and Spokesperson of NDF-EV, former Fr Santiago Salas?

GEN CHAN receives support from SIPPAD stakeholders

The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) on its 17th Assembly held yesterday at Saint Mary's College expressed an all-out support to MGen Mario F. Chan's thrust to arrest the insurgency problem in his area of responsibility by building road infrastructures.

"I do not agree that we can win this war by the conduct of offensive operations. Please join us in our effort to interconnect the three provinces through the construction of circumferential and radial roads which is expected to boost the economic development within the area." says Chan during his first attendance in the SIPPAD forum.

According to Chan, the roads will facilitate the easy transport of agricultural products of producers coming from the rural areas. It would also invite more investors to come and visit the tourism potentials of Samar which, he said, is far better than those in Bohol and Cebu.

In a brief power point presentation, the Commanding General toured the SIPPAD attendees to the various areas that need immediate road construction and rehabilitation in the three provinces. Included in the presentation were actual photages of the status of roads and updates of on-going road constructions which were surveyed by the 8ID team, headed by the general himself.

Chan assured the group of positive support from the governors, congressmen, DPWH and the Department of National Defense in the pursuit of these road networks. Coordination meetings have already been facilitated. He even galdly informed about its favorable endorsement made by the Regional Development Council to the NEDA when the same proposal was presented a month ago.

In a statement of support, a parish priest from Borongan attested that projects are better accomplished, in so far as quality is concerned, when it's being undertaken by the military under its Engineering Battalions.

Chan is decisive in pursuing these road networks despite being criticized by the NDF-EV as the "road to war". This, he said, is understandable because people who have been deceived by their propaganda will now be open to the realities and opportunities of a better life outside their reins.

"These roads are the roads to further development and the roads that will end the lingering poverty in Samar" Chan added.

Given priority is the Gandara-Matuguinao road which he projects to be passable by September and the on-going construction of the San Jose de Buan road.

A resolution to this effect has been favorably considered by the SIPPAD assembly and approved for indorsement to the appropriate agencies.

Chan receives an applause of support from the stakeholders for the presentation. He was also congratulated for making the 8ID under his leadership on top of all the other Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army nationwide for its performance.

In a related story, the SIPPAD which is a province-wide multi-sectoral assembly holds quarterly meetings to discuss issues on poverty alleviation, good governance, environment and peace and security. The three dioceses take turns in the hosting of the said forum.

During the assemblies, reports and updates on the above mentioned thematic concerns were presented.

Invited in 17th forum were personnel from the Offcie of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). They discussed programs for the rebel returnees and strategies to reintegrate these returness to the mainstream.

The Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SPPADE) gave an overview of the newly launched anti-corruption group, Multi-sectoral Alliance for Transparency and Accountability -MATA-Samar; mining and quarrying issues affecting the environment and the outputs of the Tripartite Samar DEvelopment Agenda Conference. Fr. Cesar Aculan and Ms. Emy Bonifacio shared in the presentation.

Furthermore, the Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum (NSPDF) and the Eastern Samar Peace Development Forum (ESPDF) narrated the various activities that were conducted on their respective levels.

Dr. Jimmy Sanico and Mr. Agustin Docena gave an update on the status of the Samar Island Natural Park Bill which has been pending at the House of the Representatives since the 12th congress. However, in a Committee Hearing held last June 8, the bill was approved. Considering the long process that it still has to undergo before approval, the assembly passed a resolution to personally deliver letters to the congressmen requesting for their support. The letters will be signed by the three Bishops.

The assembly was participated by at least 70 stakeholders. It was headed by Most Rev. Bishop Crispin Varquez of the diocese of Borongan. Also in attendance were Most. Rev. Bishop Isabelo Abarquez and Most Rev. Bishop Emmanuel Trance of the Dioceses of Calbayog and Catarman, respectively.

The next SIPPAD meeting, which will be hosted by the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, is scheduled on September, this year.

(by: Emy Bonifacio)

OPAPP representatives visit 8ID

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – This afternoon, Ms. Maggs Barrios, a representative from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with her assistant visited the 8th Infantry Division for some updates on the services that their office offers.

During her visit, Ms Barrios gave emphasis on the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program which is about promoting peaceful and prosperous communities by reducing poverty and vulnerability, improving governance, and strengthening capacities of communities. With this progra

m, peace will be achieved through a negotiable manner.

This program which is participated by the Local Government Units (LGUs), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be implemented in communities located in remote and far-flung barangays.

Colonel Virgilio Espineli, Assistant

Division Commander of 8ID assured the visitor that the division is very supportive of this program in order to promote peace and development in Region 8.

8ID participates the National Fun Run for Education 2011

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Department of Education Region 8 headed by Dr. Alfredo D. Dacuro, the School Division Superintendent together with the different stakeholders, Local Government Units, Philippine National Police and the 51 soldiers of 8th Infantry Division led by 1LT Julie Fadchar participated the National Fun Run for Education dubbed as “Every Runner a Finisher; Every Finisher, a Winner on 19 June 2011.

The fun run started at the Samar Sports Complex going to Catbalogan City Police Station and ended up at the same complex. This activity was held to coincide with the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero; to raise awareness among our people that education is for everybody and no Filipino child should be left behind; and to provide an opportunity for community stakeholders to unite and manifest love for country through commitment to help the cause of education.

Dr. Dacuro expressed his profound gratitude to Major G

eneral Mario Chan, the Commander of 8th Infantry Division for his assurance of continued support and cooperation to this endeavor and for the participation of the Division in this undertaking.

127 Soldiers undergo Re-Training to Intensify ISO Campaign

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army recently opened the Restructured Reenlistment Training (RRT) to the 127 strong soldiers held at 8ID Grandstand this morning with Major General Mario F Chan, Commander, 8ID, as the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

The 127 army soldiers coming from the different battalions and units of 8ID will undergo refresher training at the 8th Division Training Unit.

In his message, Maj Gen Chan urged the students to focus their mind to learn the Army’s core competences as embodied in the ten-in-one (10-in-1) hands on training. MGen Chan added that after this training, these soldiers will be more ready to fight and win the peace in and for the region.

Meanwhile, Gen Chan congratulated the men and women of 8ID and expressed his gratitude to all the people who have always supported the Command’s Peace and Security Operations because during his incumbency as Commander, the 8ID has earned the highest rating and delivered the most accomplishments among all Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army.