Army facilitates launching of PAMANA projects in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – Five (5) projects, under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, were launched at the Municipal Covered Court, Poblacion, San Jose de Buan (SJDB), Samar on May 18, 2012.

The launching of PAMANA Projects was jibed with the Grand Consultation/Dialogue for the Farmers Sector of San Jose de Baun, Samar.

The activity was spearheaded by Mr. Arniel O Disbarro, Area Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS in SJDB, Samar. Mr Disbarro officially launched the PAMANA Projects to Barangays 3,4, Babaclayon, Hiduroma and Hilomot all of SJDB. Potable water system and construction of comfort rooms are some of the PAMANA projects launched during the said event.

Meanwhile, the Local Government of SJDB headed by Hon Ananias S Rebato Municipal Mayor; the Local Government Units of SJDB to include MAO, MSWDO, MHO, MPDO, MPS, KALAHI-CIDSS, DAR, DENR and LTC CERILO C BALAORO JR GSC (INF) PA, Commander of 87th Infantry Battalion participated in the activity.

The 87IB facilitated the conduct of the launching of PAMANA projects in line with the standing guidance of BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA to support and facilitate peace and development initiatives of the government and other cause-oriented groups in the area. This is also in support to the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan ‘Bayanihan’ which seeks to enjoin all stakeholders to work together and help attain peace and development in every community.

In his closing message, Hon Rebato assured that the Local Government of SJDB will be a major partner in the peace and development operations of the Army at SJDB, Samar. He furthered expressed his heartfelt grattitude to the 87IB for facilitating the said activity.

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

8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, PA

Division Public Affairs Office

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22 May 2012

Contact: LTC ARVIN R LAGAMON

Chief DPAO

Mobile Nr: 09165301220

Email Address: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

8ID participates in the largest Pacific mission for 2012

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – The 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army (PA) will participate in a humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) mission in selected communities of Samar Island from 18 June 2012 – 1 July 2012 dubbed as the “Pacific Partnership 2012.

The Pacific Partnership is the largest annual HCA mission of the US Pacific Fleet in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of the mission is to deliver basic services, strengthen alliances and ensure that the international community is better prepared to synchronize the delivery of foreign humanitarian aid in times of natural disaster or crisis.

HCA activities such as medical & dental mission, veterinarian mission, engineering works, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges mainly on disaster preparedness/response and Damage Control will be done during the two-week duration of the mission.

In his statement, BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army said, “The 8ID will work hand in hand with the US Armed Forces, partner nation military personnel, and the Local Government Units and Agencies of Samar through the concept of ‘Bayanihan’ in order to deliver much needed services in selected communities in the Province.”

Aside from the AFP’s medical and dental teams, which will participate in the series of Medical Mission, the AFP will also deploy elements of 53^rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army who will be joining the US Pacific 30^th Naval Construction Regiment in all engineering projects in the area.

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

8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, PA

Division Public Affairs Office

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17 May 2012

Contact: LTC ARVIN R LAGAMON

Chief DPAO

Mobile Nr: 09165301220

Email Address: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

8ID troopers overruns NPA encampment in Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – A NPA encampment at vicinity Brgy Hagbay, San Jose De Buan, Samar was overrun by military troops of 87^th Infantry Battalion, 801^st Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA under the leadership of Ltc Cerilo C Balaoro on 11 May 2012.

Elements of 87^th IB under 2Lt Verniel D Semblante discovered the NPA encampment after they encountered undetermined number of rebels earlier that day.

The said camp is composed of three (3) makeshift bunkers and one (1) makeshift hall, which can accommodate about 20 people. After the fire fight government troops recovered long M16 rifle magazines with live ammunitions, assorted medicines and subversive documents. This only proves that the rebels are always on the run to avoid pursuing government troops.

“Your 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army will continue to intensify its security operations against this lawless group in order to ensure the safety of our people and pursue development efforts in every community in the Region” said BGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA. “We also enjoin the NPA members to lay down their arms and submit themselves through peaceful means and join the government in all peace and development efforts” Layug added.

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

8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, PA

Division Public Affairs Office

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15 May 2012

Contact: LTC ARVIN R LAGAMON

Chief DPAO

Mobile Nr: 09165301220

Email Address: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

8ID Enhances its Medical Capability

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army formally activated the 8^th Forward Support Medical Company (FSMC) on May 16, 2012 here at Headquarters Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City.

According to BGEN GERARDO T LAYUG AFP, 8ID Commander, the activation of 8^th FSMC will enhance the skills of 8ID medical personnel to become more effective, efficient and responsive health providers.

The said Medical Company will be attached to the Service Support Battalion of the Division. The unit’s primary mission is to provide medical support to maneuver brigades and battalions, capable of treating patients with minor diseases and emergency medical treatment. They can also provide medical teams during disaster response operations and for other peace and development efforts in the area.

As part of the activity, Captain Arturo A Llaso CHS (PA), the 8ID Command Chaplain officiated the blessing of two (2) newly acquired ambulance vehicles. The 8^th FSMC will primarily utilize said vehicles for medical evacuations and disaster response operations.

The enhancement of 8ID’s medical capability is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, which envisions a World-Class Army that our Nation can be proud of by 2028.