H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp General Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

October 23, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer
Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144
E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

Troops of 83DRC encounters CTs

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Troops of 83rd Division Reconnaissance Company encountered more or less five communist terrorists at the vicinity of Brgy Pagsanghan, Paranas, Samar this morning at 10:45 am.

Report reaching this headquarters disclosed that while the troops under Lt Escolano conducting combat operation in the said area encountered more or less five fully armed communist terrorists at the vicinity of Brgy Pagsanghan, Paranas, Samar. Said fireflight lasted 20 minutes after which the enemy withdrew towards northwest direction.

Troops recovered in the said encounter three “taffeta” jogging pants and three T-shirts with no casualty on government side while undetermined on the enemy side.

Major General Mario Chan lauded his troops for exerting every effort and dedicating their lives in the accomplishment of their task.

Meanwhile, Commander of 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army assured that the 8ID will continue to assist the PNP to prevent any violence happen and keep on searching fully armed communist terrorist roaming around for this coming local election. ###

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

October 22, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer
Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144
E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

Government troops, encountered communists terrorists

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 10 armed members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) at the vicinity of barangays Anagasi, Paranas Samar yesterday, October 21, 2020 around 1:40 a.m.

Report reaching this headquarters from 34IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. William Penafiel revealed that while his troops were conducting combat operation they encountered communists terrorists within the area of said barangay. Fireflight lasted for about 10 mins after which the enemy withdrew towards different directions.

With the desire to defeat the enemy and to protect the civilians, elements of 34IB conducted pursuit operation and encountered again more or less 20 communists terrorists 100 meters away from the first encounter site, fireflight lasted for about 15 mins. after which the enemy scampered in different directions within the periphery of said barangay.

There were no casualties among government troops during the encounter, however, the blood stains on the encounter site and along the enemy’s route of withdrawal clearly indicate that a few of the NPA’s were wounded during the encounter. The troops were also able to recover a camouflage backpack containing personal belongings and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. William Peñafiel, 34IB’s commanding officer commended the troops and directed them to to continue scouring the area.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, the 8ID’s head, expressed his appreciation for a job well done. ###

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan) Battalion, 8ID, PA

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 20, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer
Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144
E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

8ID joins the 66th commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – As its annual dedication in the name of freedom and democracy, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division once again joined the people of Eastern Visayas in the 66th commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings yesterday, October 20 at Mc Arthur Park, Palo City bearing the theme: “Passing on the torch of heroism to the Youth of today”.

As early as 4:00 a.m., the troops were already positioned in the “unknown heroes” monument for the “Sunrise Ceremony” where retired Colonel Francisco San Miguel, the vice president of the Veterans of the Philippines, other dignitaries and veterans lay wreath to salute the unknown soldiers of Leyte who fought for the country during the Japanese occupation in the country.

They were then repositioned on the grounds of Mc Arthur Park to carry out historic task for the activity. Around 10, 000 spectators from all walks of life including some foreign personalities witnessed the activity. Living WWII veterans and their relatives who became the center of the activity add light with the annual commemoration.

Meanwhile, the troops steadfastly endured the strong heat of the sun as they wait for the highlight of the program. Around 9 o’clock in the morning, when the program started with the arrival of Under Secretary Samuel Bagasin of the Department of National Defense as the commemoration speaker.

No less than the commander of 8ID, Major General Mario Chan hosted the arrival of USec Bagasin with a full military honor.

The activity has renewed the spirit of nationalism for everyone when the Philippine flag was raised and the Philippine National anthem is being played that spearheaded the raising of flags and playing of the other nation’s national anthem such as the Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and United States. These countries played important role when WWII erupted in the country.

The wreath laying ceremony to the heroes memorial, participated by the representatives of the aforesaid countries took place immediately after the national anthems had been played.

In the messages given by the foreign representatives, they commonly focused their talks on the positive effect that the coming back of Mc Arthur had brought not only to the Philippines but also to the other nations. It cannot be denied by the fact that then two (2) opposing countries before such as Japan and USA are now frequently seen in union advocating peace-related endeavors.

This endeavor further inspires the people of Eastern Visayas to sooner achieve and re-experience the freedom and democracy that were given to us by our forefathers but vehemently deprived by the local terrorist group. With the huge numbers of people who witnessed the program, it also showed that people still lingers for a peaceful life not for a violent and barbaric cause as enforced by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

The program was concluded by a grand parade headed by the 8ID contingents who tendered salute to the veterans of the country. A “Sunset Ceremony” was also tendered at the “Unknown Heroes” memorial statue to wrap up this year’s celebration of the Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary with the 8ID troop’s 21-gun salute and sounding of “TAPS” for our unknown heroes.###

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

October 6, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer
Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144
E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

Another high powered firearms recovered anew by 8ID troops in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The relentless conduct of pursuit operations by the troops of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in the tri-boundary of Samar provinces resulted to an encounter in the early morning of October 6, 2010.

In a report by Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, Commanding Officer of 63IB based in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar, states that operating troops under 2lt. Mendez PA, received an information volunteered by a barangay resident that armed men believed to be CTs are resting at the forested area of Brgy Cagbanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The troops proceeded to the said area and caught the enemy by surprise. Firefight ensued for more or less ten minutes followed by a running gun battle that forced the enemy to withdraw towards different directions. The platoon scoured the area and recovered the following: two M16 armalite rifles, medical equipment, one solar charger, one solar florescent light, colored computer printer, five pieces ballast for florescent bulb, carpentry materials and subversive documents. The government troops suffered no casualty while undetermined on the enemy side.

The recent accomplishments by the 8ID troops against the NPAs in the area of Samar have disrupted their command and control and communication. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines. The discovery and seizure of the earlier reported camps in heavy forested areas in the tri-boundary of Samar province was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.

Major General Mario F Chan, Chief of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the soldiers for a job well done. He likewise extends his thanks to the people of Brgy Cagbanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar for the timely information provided to the soldiers. General Chan also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live a decent and normal lives along with their families.#####

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8^TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8^th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan) Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

October 4, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144

E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

Tips from Civilian Populace, Leads the Recovery of high powered firearms

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- The troops of Bravo Company, 34^th Infantry Battalion of the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, under 1Lt. Franchild Dusil while conducting security operations at Brgy Bahay, Sta. Margarita, Samar apprehended one person possessing high powered firearms this morning, October 4, 2010, at 5:30 am.

In a report from Lieutenant Colonel William P Penafiel Jr, Commanding Officer of the 34^th Infantry Battalion based in San Jose de Buan, Samar, while his troops were conducting security operations in pursuance to the COMELEC/AFP/PNP Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) against illegal possession of firearms, a civilian in the nearby barangays tipped in an information regarding presence of armed men in the area. As troops reacted on the report, they were able to apprehend a certain Emilio E. Casaljay, 31 years old, resident of Brgy. Monbon, Sta. Margarita Samar. Recovered from his possession are one M653 (baby armalite) with serial number 975565, seven magazines and 130 rounds of ammunition. Based on the coordination with the Samar PNP, the subject is an escapee form the provincial jail and has a standing warrant of arrest. Appropriate charges of illegal possession of firearms in connection with the COMELEC gun ban is now being filed against the subject. 1Lt. Dusil conducted dialogue to the populace of Brgy. Bahay, Sta Margarita Samar, expressing his thanks for their timely information leading to the apprehension of the said fugitive.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen. Mario F Chan, Commander of 8^th Infantry Division Philippine Army assured the people that the 8ID will continue to assist the PNP to preempt election related violence to happen this coming local election.######

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8^TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8^th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

October 1, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144

E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

8ID hails 235 new breed of soldiers

Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan Samar- The Army’s 8^th Infantry Division once again conducted a simple but meaningful closing ceremony of Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course Class 02-2010 with Entrustment of FireArms Ceremony which was jointly graced by Maj. Gen Mario F Chan, Commander 8ID and Honorable Sharee Ann T. Delos Santos, Governor of Samar, as Keynote Speakers held at the 8ID grandstand this morning, at 9:00 am.

Said ceremony was witnessed by personalities from various Local Government Units and Agencies and Non Government Organizations, parents, relatives and friends of the newly enlisted Privates and different tri-media practitioners of Samar and Leyte.

Out of the original 250 Candidate Soldiers, only 239 have successfully completed the Candidate Soldier Course, six of them did not cope up with the rigors of the training.

The Candidate Soldier Course opened last May 13, 2010 with 250 qualified applicants from all walks of life that came from all over the country to undergo 3 months basic military training. After their basic training, they underwent Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) which has duration of six weeks.

During the ceremonial entrustment of firearms, Gov. Delos Santos presented the Firearms as a symbol of entrusting the Samareños to the new breed of soldiers as the guardians of peace and protectors of the people. The firearms that were accepted by the Privates will serve as their primary instrument in the performance of their tasks and signify their enduring commitment to the noble profession of arms.

On the other hand, Maj. Gen Mario F. Chan in his message, cited the ten rules of engagement which are; Obey legal orders of your lawful superiors, Wear snappy uniform, Speak politely, Respect women, children and the elderly, Pay for whatever you buy and return whatever you borrowed, Do not be arrogant, Do not destroy crops, Do not look or keep spoils of war for personal interests, Do not maltreat prisoners and Do not violate human rights, “I’ll be making sure that these guys will be the one to give us the energy in the 8^th Infantry Division in particular and, the Armed Forces in General. I assure you that I will lead them to their best and make them a true servants of the people whom their Parents who are here today can be proud of”, Gen Chan added.

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8^TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8^th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

September 18, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144

E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

1 NPA killed, 1 M16 rifle recovered

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar –Operating troops of Army’s 803^rd Infantry Brigade encountered more or less 30 members of the Communist Terrorist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on September 18, at about 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon in the upstream barangays of Las Navas of Northern Samar and Matuguinao of Western Samar complex.

Report reaching this headquarters those troops of 803^rd Infantry Brigade led by 1lt Onipig while conducting security operation within the vicinity of the aforesaid area, a certain civilian resident gave an information about the presence of the armed men frequently seen in the outskirts of said area that caused fear to the civilian populace residing near within the area.

With the immediate response to the call of duty, troops under 1lt Onipig immediately proceeded to the alleged location of the terrorist and subsequently discovered an enemy encampment and encountered the armed group believed to be members of the NPA operating in the area.

No casualties reported on the government side while one terrorist killed and undetermined numbers of wounded as evidence of bloodstains in the route of enemy withdrawal. Recovered in the encounter site were one M16 armalite rifle, bandoleer and live ammunitions, voluminous subversive documents with high intelligence value and personal belongings of the terrorist at said encampment.

Meanwhile, Colonel Oscar Lopez, Commander of the 803^rd Infantry Brigade, based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman Northern Samar, commended his troops for a job well done and to the undying performance to the call of duties as soldiers and guardians of peace.

On the other hand, Major General Mario F Chan, Commander of the 8^th Infantry Division based at Camp Lukban, Maulong Catbalogan, Samar, appreciated and give thanks to the continuous support of the civilian populace that brought the success not only to the “Stormtroopers” but for the Samareños as well.

He also gave a direct order to his soldiers to continue the effort in conducting Internal Security Operation in the area while observing the rights of the civilians and even the rights of the terrorists.

H E A D Q U A R T E R S

8^TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

8^th Civil Military Operations (Dangpanan)Battalion

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

P R E S S R E L E A S E

September 10, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Tel. No.: (053) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144

E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

Civilian tips results encounter

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Army’s 34^th Infantry Battalion encountered some 50 armed members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the boundaries of barangays Caranas and Hinacaan of Motiong, WSamar 5:00 a.m. this morning.

Report reaching this headquarters from 34IB disclosed that Corporal Michael Angel received a report from undisclosed civilian that armed men wearing tapita clothes are frequently seen loitering in the outskirts of said barangay. The presence of the said armed group, caused terror and uneasiness to the populace in the locality.

With the desire to address the threat brought by the said terror group and to defend the civilians, elements of 34IB conducted security patrols within the periphery of that barangay and its nearby sitios.

This resulted to an encounter between the troops and the enemy that resulted to the killing of one enemy and the recovery of a camouflage backpack and one (1) upper hand guard of M16 rifle.

One soldier was also reported to have been killed in the said encounter.

Lt. Col. William Peñafiel, 34IB’s commanding officer commended the heroism of his fallen troop and said that risking lives is just part and parcel of the military profession for the people to continuously enjoy their right to live.

“Soldiers never die, they just pass away. We will be surely missing him but his acts of courage and commitment to duty will always remain in the memories of the people he has served. We share in the sorrow felt by his family and loved ones and we will never forget his act of heroism and the invaluable contribution he made in service to our country and people”, says Lt. Col. Peñafiel.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, the 8ID’s head, expressed his appreciation to the concerned individuals and civilian who relentlessly supported the efforts of their Army to ultimately attain peace and development in the province.

He further directed the troops to continuously pursue the fleeing enemy in order to fully to liberate the area from the LTs influence that would pave the way for the attainment of the lasting peace and development. ###