Brgy. Officials recover two dead bodies in a shallow grave

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Two (2) dead bodies were found by the brgy. Officials of Concepcion, Arteche, Eastern Samar buried in a shallow grave two days following an encounter that transpired between the terrorists and elements of Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in the forested area of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad same province.

Report disclosed that around 4:30 P.M. of February 14, while the platoon of Sgt Orosco was having their temporary patrol base in brgy. Concepcion, some brgy. Officials and tanod personally led by their Chairwoman Zedaria Pajares brought out two cadavers.Accordingly, an undisclosed folk discovered the said grave due to its strong foul scent that prompted Pajares to lead his constituents to identify and later on bury the bodies more decently.

Initial report revealed that the duo’s cause of death were gunshots base on the wounds that found all over their body.

One body suffered a wound at his right armpit while the other one is at his neck that believed to be the cause of their instant death. Official autopsy report is still being waited and the bodies’ identity is being uncovered as of press time.

It can be recalled that on the morning of February 12, troops under Staff Sergeant Pejana encountered some 10 terrorist NPAs at Brgy. Dorillo and reported that most of the rebels were wounded including the owners of their recovered M16 and M14 rifles.

This situation is no longer new to the underground movement that once their comrades were wounded in action, they drag it away from the troops and avoid it being caught for they are afraid that information can be elicited from their wounded comrades.

Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, commander of 14IB already sent his troops to facilitate the burial and assist the doctors who examine the remains.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 8th Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Arthur I Tabaquero expresses his heartfelt appreciation to the Brgy Officials who initiated the simple good deeds of bringing out the truth to the open.

“This simple deed is a clear manifestation of support to our advocacy of pursuing peace to achieve development in the whole region,” Said Tabaquero.

“I urge you to carry on your simple ways of supporting our government to encourage your fellow local officials to replicate same for us to ultimately attain our dreamt peace and development in this part of the country,” He added.

This successful feat against the terrorist NPA is the third time for this year following an encounter in Brgy. Rizal, Eastern Samar in January 13 and in Brgy Santander, Bobon, Northern in January 29 where two (2) M16 rifles, radios, war materiel, personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents with significant values were collectively recovered.

Moreover, Maj. Gen. Tabaquero calls upon the peace-loving Samarnon that should an incident occur that wounded NPAs were left in their possession by the fleeing terrorists, they should inform any nearest PNP or Army detachment to help them attend their medical needs.

“The 8ID will always be here to give these NPAs, wounded or not a chance to live freely and re-experience the fruit of democracy whenever they feel the desire to. We will give necessary medical attention the same treatment we give when we have our wounded soldiers for it is the right of the individual.” The good general concluded.

Three days after, two shallow grave sites were discovered by barangay folks 2kms away from the encounter site. The Brgy Officials of Brgy Conception headed by Byrg Kap Freddie Roncales and elements from 14IB responded on said report, together with Dr. Eduardo de Dios, MHO of Jipapad, ESamar who later conducted autopsy. The cadavers were identified as Elcon Liad (TN: Lilio Liad) @ Binal/Mila/Nilpo/Batoy and one known only as @Naval/Antoy Authorities confirmed that the duo were got killed during the earlier encounter with the elements of 14IB. Elcon Liad was further identified as the CO of Regional Security Force (RSF), EVRPC with code name: BANGKAW. Their remains were provided of decent burial at Public Cemetery of Brgy Conception, Arteche, ESamar.

14IB recovers firearms following a tip from civilian


Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Two (2) high powered firearms were recovered by troopers from Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in a forested side of Brgy. Dorillo, Jipapad town of Eastern Samar after a firefight against the members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) 9 A.M this morning.

Report reaching to this headquarters disclosed that while the troops under Sgt. Jessesito Pejano conducts their regular security patrol, a civilian approached and informed them that some 10 armed groups were sighted not far distant from their present location.

The undisclosed civilian also said that these armed groups are the same group who regularly collects foodstuff and extort from them.

Accordingly, after assessing the information, Pejano led his troops towards the given location and there they confirmed the civilians tip.

Firefight between the two groups commenced and lasted for about 20 minutes after the terrorist group fled dragging along their wounded comrades.

The incident resulted to the wounding of two NPA rebels leaving along their respective firearms that were recovered by the troops during their clearing in the encounter site while no reported hurt in the side of the government forces.

An M16 rifle and an M14 rifle bearing the serial number 180888 and 1264373 respectively that was recovered in the encounter are now in the possession of the 14IB and are being turned-over to the higher unit after its inspection.

Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, commander of 14IB said that a pursuit and blocking operations is on progress as of press time in order to track the fleeing terrorist and let them face various criminal charges against the innocent people.

Lt. Col. Hidalgo also calls the barangays immediately surrounding the encounter site to report any wounded person that may be sighted in their area to help them provide medical attention.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero lauded the troops for the successful security operations. “While we continue to perform our mandated task of preserving peace and stability in the province, we are calling to our people to intensify their usual support extended to our government in the pursuit of peace stability for the ultimate attainment of development of the whole province.

Surviving descendant graces the 8ID’s wreath laying ceremony in honor of Gen. Vicente Lukban


Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – The Army’s 8th Infantry Division’s wreath laying ceremony in honor of Gen. Vicente Lukban yesterday morning was charmed by the surviving descendant Atty. Hubert Lucban who traveled all the way from Pambujan, Northern Samar just to add meaning with the celebration.

Atty. Lucban a practicing lawyer and the Clerk of Court in Lao-ang Municipal Trial Court traced his origin by citing some of the historical background of his great great grand father Gen. Lukban and gave his stories on why and how the Lucban is spelled either “c” or “k” in it.

He also mentioned in his eloquent speech how his great grand father became well known and greatest as he led the revolutionary in Samar and Leyte against the Americans to include one of the victorious feats of the Filipino-American war, the “Balangiga Massacre”.

Atty. Lucban conveyed his great appreciation to the men and women of the said division for giving due recognition and made the death of Gen. Lukban very significant not just because it carries the name of the late general but because of its contribution to the liberty and freedom of the province.

“I would like also to extend my sincerest gratitude for the heroism being demonstrated by the 8th Infantry Division in performing their mission because in doing so, it just doing the same thing as the late Gen. Lukban did for this province”, he uttered.

The ceremony was also attended by all officers, enlisted men and women and civilian employees of the Division, members of the Mason Mount Huraw Lodge, Mayor Coefredo Uy of Catbalogan City and Barangay officials where the Division is nesting.

In his message read by Col. Alexander Cabales, the Assistant Division Commander of Administration, Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero stressed out the heroism of the soldiers before that still being demonstrated by the present breed of soldiers. Gen. Tabaquero attended the internal security operations (ISO) of Bohol province to Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) during the said ceremony.

Gen. Tabaquero also encouraged his men to maintain the high standard of discipline and professionalism as they perform their mission particularly in the performance of their traditional role.

“By doing what we ought to do and by professing the spirit of duty and service, we can follow and revive the heroism that once showed by Gen. Lukban when he saw the first light in Samar and Leyte”, Gen. Tabaquero added.

Meanwhile, the said ceremony was the subsequent activity of the command following the “Unity fun run for honest, orderly and peaceful elections 2010” early morning at 5 which was hosted by the PNP.

Said fun run categorized into 3K, 1K and 500 meter run which was participated by more than 800 individuals that came from 8ID, PNP, clergies, peoples’ organizations, students, media and ROTC cadets were headed by the 8ID’s Assistant Division Commander, SPPO Provincial Director,

Signing of “Unity Manifesto” of the different participating agency culminated the said ceremony ###

8ID runs for unity and “HOPE 2010”


Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Some 500 warmed body of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division shared their physical agility as they joined the unity fun run hosted by the Samar Provincial Police Office, 5 A.M. yesterday morning.

The fun run bearing the theme, “Takbo ng Pinagsamang Simbahan, Sandatahang Lakas, Pambansang Pulisya ng Pilipinas, Mga Mamamahayag at mga Mag-aaral para sa Malinis, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan 2010” aimed to advocate a united call for impartial, honest, orderly and peaceful election comes May 2010.

As one of the mandates during election period especially when deputized by the COMELEC, the 8ID ensures that the right of our people to vote is preserved and carried out without any stain from the few who have their evil personal interest.

Together with the media, students, clergies, peoples’ organization, ROTC cadets, civil societies and PNP personnel, the 8ID troopers ran 3K, 1K and 500m respectively depending on their chosen categories that started at the SPPO grounds until 8ID Grandstand after series of rounds in the command’s oval where simple program and ceremonial signing of unity manifesto was conducted.

No less than the Chief PNP P/Dir. Jesus Verzosa commended the participation of the Stormtroopers in the said endeavor.

In the message of 8ID commander, Maj. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero which was delivered by his Assistant Division Commander Col. Joel Ibanez, he stressed the roles of different members of societies particularly the common people who are the potent element of attaining peace and honest electoral processes. Gen. Tabaquero attended the internal security operations (ISO) of Bohol province to Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) during the event.

He also ensures the public that the Stormtroopers, will continue to assist the PNP and COMELEC not only in this coming May 2010 elections but also in the future elections to come.

“As we exercise our rights to suffrage, your soldiers in Eastern Visayas will continue to safeguard its portion for the people to at least enjoy all the freedom embodied in our constitution.” He added. ###

Farmer slain by terrorist NPA

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – an innocent farmer was slain by the members of the notorious New People’s Army (NPA) at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Matuguinao, Samar 1P.M., yesterday.

Arman Diaz of legal age, married and a resident of the Brgy Madoroto of said town was shot dead by five unidentified members of NPA using assorted high powered fire arms while he was in his farm place. Victim suffered gunshot wounds all over his body that caused his instantaneous death.

Based on the reports of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, the victim was mercilessly slain in front of his children and wife. After the killing, the dead body of Diaz was allegedly dragged and emplaced at the center of barangay plaza to exhibit with the populace. The residents disclosed that the victim is known for being hushed and hard-working in upbringing his family and remember nothing to pay with the underground movement.

The people of Matuguinao particularly the victim’s family are calling to the human rights groups especially to the Katungod-Sinirangang Bisayas to give due attention to the barbaric, un-Godly and violent killing perpetrated by the terrorists. They also call on to the Katungod-SB to conduct investigation to give justice to the victim.
“Election Day is fast approaching. This is perhaps one of their means to sow terror to the masses in order to create chaos and destruct the rights of the people to vote and choose a candidate of their choice”. Exposed by Roberto Gacuma a.k.a Ka Huling in his most interviews. Ka Huling is a former top rank NPA official of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) that was captured by the government forces sometime in 2007.

Meanwhile, PNP Matuguinao is now conducting necessary investigation to give justice to the victim. The 34IB under Lt. Col. Jose B Gongona immediately conducts pursuit and security operations in the area to go after the perpetrators.

Major General Arthur I Tabaquero, Commander 8ID said, “this is a clear manifestation that the terrorist NPA are the number one violator of human rights. This is also the reason why the development in the province is at stake.” ###

One terrorist killed, one soldier wounded in a clash

A terrorist NPA was killed and two others were wounded following an encounter transpired between the members of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion and the terrorist group after responding to the civilian tip that some armed rebels are collecting foodstuff and extorting money to the local folks of barangay Santander, Bobon, Northern Samar yesterday morning.

The encounter transpired at around 10 in the morning when the troops of Lt. Florencio Tayo responded to the tips of the civilians.

Meanwhile, an M16 rifle, two handheld radios at various subversive documents were left and recovered by the pursuing troops in the area of encounter after about 10 minutes of firefight.

Initial information reveals that upon approaching of the troops under Lt. Tayo the said terrorist group immediately fired upon unto them the initiated the firefight between the groups.

One soldier was slightly wounded, Sgt Floro Lozano who was immediately air-evacuated and now in a stable condition at Camp Lukban Station Hospital.

It is also believed that more wounded rebels were dragged by their comrades towards their secured places as evident in their route of withdrawals. This was confirmed by some of the local folks who personally saw some withdrawing rebels.

This incident is another proof that our localities can no longer stand with the terrorist’s different modes of sourcing out support in order to sustain their existence. With this, the 20IB thru their commander, Lt. Col. Jose Narciso continued their pursuit operations in order to track down with the fleeing rebels and let them face charges against the law.

One rebel slain in encounter


CATBALCOGAN CITY- One NPA bandit was killed and two were wounded while a government trooper was slightly injured in an encounter in a remote village in Oras, Eastern Samar Wednesday at around 7:00 O’clock in the morning.

Lt. Colonel Armand Rico, Chief DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, based in Catbalogan City, said that the wounded soldier, identified as Pfc Ramon Estico, is now in stable condition and recuperating.

The said encounter, the first in the area for this year, took place in sitio Tugop, Barangay Rizal, some 26 kms away from the town proper.

Lt. Col. Rico said that one of the 10 rebels belonging to SECOM, North East, Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee was killed while two others sustained injuries during the 30 minutes firefight that also resulted in the government troops from the 14th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Antonio Dayag recovering one M16 rifle bearing serial number: 135108, one rifle grenade, two back packs, one bandoler, three with full of ammunition, medical kit, one detonating cord with blasting cap, and personal belongings.

“The wounded rebels were dragged by their escaping comrades”, the information officer of the 8th ID said.

“Our soldiers, under Lt. Antonio Dayag, were in the area as part of their community work”, Rico said.

Major General Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general of the division, immediately directed for the troops of the 14th IB, under Lt. Col. Jaime Hidalgo, to hunt down the rebels and intensify security operations in the area.