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

8TH CMO (DANGPANAN) BATTALION, 8ID, PA

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12 July 2011

Contact: LTC NICEFORO M DIAZ (INF) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09178294991

8ID sustains effort on Gandara-Matuguinao Road Project

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar – Yesterday, a lunch meeting attended by different stakeholders of Samar held at the Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City to discuss the Incoming Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Gandara to Matuguinao road project.

The gathering was initiated by the 8^th Infantry Division Commander Major General Mario F Chan, together with his Assistant Division Commander Colonel Virgilio M Espeneli and colleagues Colonel Peñafiel commander of the 34^th Infantry Battalion, Colonel Quila of the 546^th Engineering Battalion, and Police Senior Superintendent Arnold C Macapagal. Other participants from SIPPAD, DPWH, and the Media in the person of Ms. Emy Bonifacio, District Engineer Virgilio Eduarte, and Ms. Gina Ragudo of Samar news respectively, were also present.

The purpose of the gathering is to ensure proper coordination and participation of all the stakeholders in Samar necessary for the realization of the Road Project. Because the Gandara-Matuguinao road project will be a combine effort of the DPWH and the 546^th Engineering Battalion it is estimated that the road will be passable by September, three months earlier than the expected time

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

8TH CMO (DANGPANAN) BATTALION, 8ID, PA

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 July 2011

Contact: LTC NICEFORO M DIAZ (INF) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09178294991

Soldiers extends life to a nurse

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – Yesterday, Commander of 8^th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Major General Mario F Chan received an appreciation letter from a Registered Nurse Juniel Bardelas Tagarino, 24 years old.

Juniel Tagarino is presently working as Clinical Instructor in Samar State University-College of Nursing. He had been inflicted dengue fever last 22 June this year that in direly needs for blood transfusion with four (4) units of A+ Blood Type as well as blood donors. Patient had difficulty in looking for his blood type donors. Along with, one of his friend suggested to ask assistance at 8ID training unit for there were students undergoing training in the unit at present.

Immediately, 8ID acted on the need patient and look for soldiers capable of donating blood as blood type donors. Trainees from RRT Class 74-11 namely SSg Eleuterio Besada and Sgt Regie Milan volunteered themselves as blood donors. Blood type were successfully been transfused to the registered nurse without complications.

Registered Nurse is now in normal condition. “I am now feeling well, and for the lending hand that the Philippine Army has extended to me would always be in my deep gratitude to them because without this people who volunteered themselves to help others, I would not be living this life up to this time” Tagarino said. I was astound that my vision towards the Philippine Army was wrong that they might not help me because I am not a soldier but in the circumstances, it only shows that the Army organization is always there to help their fellowmen even the civilian like me, and I am honored and privileged to be one of the recipient of this helping hand that they’ve shown the people” he adds

As Bayanihan continues, the government troops will uphold in protecting and helping the Samareño in one way to another. The army’s of 8^th infantry division is willing to give a helping hand.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much, and to sir Chan, because of the unselfish efforts that your men have rendered I am very proud to salute you as the leader of the gallant men of the 8^th Infantry Division (Stormtroopers) Philippine Army” Tagarino concluded.

H E A D Q U A R T E R S
8TH CMO (DANGPANAN) BATTALION, 8ID, PA
Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar



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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 December 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer


Mobile Nr: 09159474062

SND and other GRP’s top official bids honor to the fallen soldiers in Northern Samar

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Secretary to the Defense Department and four (4) other government’s top officials landed today in Catarman, Northern Samar to visit the wake of the ten (10) soldiers who were treacherously waylaid by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the outskirts of Brgy Perez, Las Navas town last 14 December two days before the government’s declaration for cease fire.

Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Defense Department is being accompanied by Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP); Atty Alexander Padilla, the Chief Negotiator of the GRP Peace Panel; AFP Chief General Ricardo David; Army Chief Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz to personally condole the bereaved families of victims of the most recent atrocity perpetrated by the terrorist NPA in Eastern Visayas.

The visiting government officials were welcomed at the Catarman Airport by Governor Paul Daza of Northern Samar and Major General Mario Chan and Colonel Oscar Lopez, the commander of the 8th Infantry Division and 803rd Infantry Brigade, respectively.

It can be recalled that troops were marching off “back to barracks” to observe the government’s declaration of suspension of military operations (SOMO) for the Yuletide season when the terrorist NPA ambushed them using destructive improvised mines. As a result, two (2) soldiers were seriously wounded and ten (10) others were brutally killed. One innocent minor Joven Cabe was also murdered who was just swimming in the river banks after hitting shrapnel from the exploded mine.

Gazmin and other top officials paid their last honor to the fallen comrades who rendered the supreme sacrifice of offering their lives for the sake of peace, freedom and democracy. They also gave due recognition to the wounded troops confined at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital who miraculously survived in the brutal massacre perpetrated by the terrorist NPA.

Meanwhile, different human rights advocates have already started condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF with their consistent violation of the terrorist human rights and international humanitarian law.

Some groups who are greatly dismayed with how the terrorist advances their so called revolutionary struggles are now calling out for mobilization to stand firm against these terrorist in support to the lamentation of the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers.

The remains of the ten (10) gallant men of the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion lie in state at St Francis Chapel, Camp Sumoroy, Brgy Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

“These soldiers died a glorious death for God, country and people. They fought it out to the last and they have won over evil. They have won in protecting you… For you to continue enjoying the fruit of democracy and freedom,” says Major General Chan.

He further call upon the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) that monitors the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to look after the incident and let the culprits be charged with the full force of the law as deemed necessary to include all other CARHRIHL violations of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The human rights groups in Northern Samar also call to translate our silence to a loud voice of support to the heroism of these soldiers and of all of the victims of the NPA’s human rights violation. They are also calling to denounce and condemn the CPP-NPA-NDF and to make a firm stand for the sake of our children and our children’s children. ###

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

8TH CMO (DANGPANAN) BATTALION, 8ID, PA

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 December 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

8ID: ‘NDF is not sincere for peace talk’

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The recent pronouncement of the National Democratic Front’s (NDF) demand for peace talk is a mere ploy to advance their offensives against the government.

With the newest atrocity perpetrated by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas, it shows that CPP-NPA-NDF upsurges their expert uses of lies and propaganda to steal glory against the people and the state.

In Leyte province, troops of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion on board two (2) vehicles on their way to their camp to adhere to the suspension of military operations (SOMO) were fired upon by the undetermined number of communist terrorist somewhere in Brgy Candigahob, Carigara town, around 9 p.m. last night. Fortunately, no one was reported hurt in the incident.

In Northern Samar, around 3 p.m. yesterday in the boundary of Brgys Sta. Fe and Perez all of Las Navas town, undetermined number of rebels waylaid the withdrawing troops who are supposed to “back to barracks” to observe the government’s declaration of SOMO for the Yuletide seasons and to give-way the desire of the NDF for peace-talk.

The rebels used destructive improvised mines to assure of the fatality of the troops. Two (2) soldiers were reported wounded and ten (10) others were killed. One innocent minor Joven Cabe was also reported murdered who was just swimming in the river banks.

The 8th Infantry Division’s leadership was dismayed with how the rebels take advantage with the command’s abidance of the peace mechanisms being orchestrated in the higher level. It only shows their true intention why peace talk is once again brought out of the picture.

Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s chief condemns in the strongest possible terms the insincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in their demand to engage in peace talk. He also condemns the persistent violation of the terrorist NPA on human rights and international humanitarian law.

“Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which is both signed by the NDF and our government is totally abused and disrespected. Serious violation of our people’s rights is deemed condemnable in the strongest possible terms,” declares Major General Chan.

It can also be recalled just recently in Las Navas, a pumped boat load of troops with civilians who will attend the Brgy Peace and Order Council (BPOC) of Poponton was mercilessly attacked by these terrorists that resulted to the killing of two (2) civilians including one minor Edwin Gudcad and wounding two (2) others. These were already condemned by the people both locally and internationally.

“I keep on challenging the different human rights advocates who keep on roaring over the violation of people’s rights to condemn this upsurge of human rights violation. Now that they are vulgarly exposed their true colors, my question remain still. Why don’t you bark once more and condemn these brutal godless monsters that mercilessly attacked the defenseless people? Prove now that you are really for the human rights of the people, and not for the rights of these terrorists,” says General Chan.

Major General Chan also said that the Army units in the area will remain committed in their mandate to continuously uphold the Constitutional thrusts despite insincerity of the other party. The 8ID thru their field units is now conducting constant coordination with the PNP to run after the perpetrators and let them face the charges bounded by the law.

“This incident would not make our desire to stop insurgency in the province for the benefit of our people, instead we will continue to pursue these terrorists until finally put an end on their violence,” Chan adds.

“We salute the heroism paid for by our troops who rendered the supreme sacrifice of offering their lives for the true spirit of service, peace and democracy. We bestowed upon them the highest regards that the Armed Forces as well as the people can be best confer. Although it is always sad in our part, our deepest condolences to the love ones left by our comrades-in-arms”” vows General Chan. ###

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

8TH CIVIL- MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPRERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

Government troops find another NPA camp

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Operating elements of 63rd Infantry Battalion discovered an NPA camp at vicinity of Brgy. Bagacay, Palapag, Northern Samar at about 1:00 pm. December 10, 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Paloma, 63IB commander acted on a report volunteered by the local populace that fully armed CTs are conducting extortion activities in the area. Upon receiving the complaint, he immediately deployed his troops and afterward discovered NPA camp in the outskirt of the barangay that can accommodate more or less 70 Communists Terrorists (CTs) with forty (40) makeshift bunkers, with one (1) comfort room and it has three (3) kitchens.

Base on the data of 8ID, 48 encampments were already discovered by the government troops since August this year. One of this is the main camp of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that of National Organization Department (NOD) of the Centarl Committee of the CPP that were discovered in the tri boundaries of three (3) provinces of Samar Island.

According to Major General Mario F Chan, 8ID’s chief, the discovery of said camp is a product of information provided by the local populace who are against the CTs’ harassment, extortion and human rights violations, a clear manifestation that they desire peace and stability in their area.

The government troops still scouring the vicinity to track down the CTs possible location or in areas where they shift as they evade confrontation with the government troops.###

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

8TH CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION, 8ID, PA

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 10, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Tel. No.: (055) 251-2264/251-2199 loc 3333 or 3144

E-mail Add: dpao_8idpa@yahoo.com

14IB discovers NPA’s war materiel cache

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Various war materiel owned by the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) were recovered by the elements of the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in the boundary of Maslog, Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar late morning of December 7.

Reports disclosed that the enemy’s war items were safely kept in a concealed haven in the said area that was just revealed through a tip from a knowledgeable civilians.

Recovered items were two (2) improvised landmine, two (2) rifle grenades, three (3) blasting caps, 31 rounds of ammo for K3 (linked), voluminous subversive documents, hand outs in making improvised explosive devices (IED), stethoscope and blood pressure apparatus which are believed to have been kept following the successive discovery/seizure of various enemy camps in Samar by the government troops.

Said items are still in the possession of the operating troops and are being transported to their headquarters for proper disposition.

Still in Northern Samar, two (2) civilians were killed and two also were wounded following a brutal and merciless ambush perpetrated by the terrorist NPA in the periphery of Brgy. Taylor, Las Navas.

The slain civilians were identified as Julie Casio, former Chairman of Brgy Poponton of Las Navas town and Edwin Gudcad, 15 year old, son of the pump boat operator. Winifredo Gudcad and the assistant boatman Leo Impes were wou

Wounded civilian was immediately evacuated to Catubig District Hospital for immediate treatment prior to evacuation to Catarman Provincial Hospital for more intensive medication. Wounded civilian is now under appropriate medication as of press time.

Troops of 63rd and 87th Infantry Battalions and the 3rd Scout Rangers Company are already conducting pursuit operations in order to track down the fleeing terrorists.

63IB is also preparing all of the necessary documents and witnesses for filing of legal charges against the terrorists involved in the said ambush of innocent civilians.

The incident is another NPA’s violation on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL) for targeting unarmed and innocent civilians as what they considered as soft targets.

“This is a total violation of our people’s right and must be condemned in a strongest possible term. This must be looked after by our human rights advocates and sue these terrorist who vehement pursue their bloody ideology. This is the time to work hand in hand against these terrorist. All of us should be united. If we will remain working solitarily against these insurgents, we’ll just allow them to blemish the precious rights of our people,” General Chan says. ###

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

06 December 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

8ID REMAINS APOLITICAL

Camp General Vicente Lukban: In response to an article written by one Gina Dean-Ragudo published in Samar News.com on 18 November 2010 . In her article, the author wrote the following allegations against personnel and units of the Command: First is against 2LT Eduardo Mendoza of 34th Infantry Battalion under this Command for distributing unsigned letters forcing barangay captains of Paranas, Samar to attend a meeting in Barangay Calapi, Motiong, Samar. Allegedly, the said unsigned letter was expressly directing the said barangay captains to attend an orientation seminar on Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) and to witness some talks initiated by officials of the province on development projects of the barangay to be given by Congresswoman Milagrosa Tan; Second is about the name of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB who was also maliciously dragged in again distributing the unsigned letters forcing the barangay captains and SK officials of San Jose de Buan, Samar to attend a similar activity; and Lastly, Ms Gina Dean-Ragudo also indicted certain SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB of allegedly exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections.

In response to the said article, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army strongly denies all the allegations as written by the author. MGen Mario F Chan, the Commander of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in his firm statement stated that: “Under my watch, the 8ID remains apolitical and steadfast in its mandate of eradicating the insurgency problem in the area of operations particularly in Samar and Leyte islands to achieve genuine peace and development”.

The 8th Infantry Division has various programs and activities aimed to uplift the well-being of the people in the areas being entrusted to our care. These programs and activities include the Army Literacy Patrol System or ALPS, a national winner of the Literacy Program of the Department of Education benefiting the out-of-school youths and adults illiterates; various medical and dental civic action activities for indigents; Public information Patrol or information awareness among the populace; and the Integrated Territorial Defense Security System (ITDSS) for the barangay populace, among others. These programs and activities are being undertaken in coordination with different stakeholders such as the LGUs, LGAs, NGOs, POs, CSOs, Local Chief Executives irrespective of their political affiliations having that common end of rendering service to our people.

On the allegation of the author, she in fact stated that the alleged letter with the name of 2LT Mendoza that was distributed to the different barangay officials forcibly directing them to attend the ITDSS orientation seminar is unsigned. That being the case, the said letter is in itself an unofficial document that could have been done or made by somebody or anybody with the intention of maligning the 34IB as an organization. While the ITDSS is considered as one of the programs of 34IB, the unit implements it through the spirit of volunteerism by not forcing anybody’s involvement in it if it is against their will and belief. However, since the said program that is aimed to safeguard the barangay from the intrusion of terroristic groups was being conceptualized in the spirit of a bayanihan system that solicit the support of other stakeholders to make it fully work as a system. On the other hand, the alleged involvement of Sgt Romeo Paldez also of 34IB, LTC WILLIAM PENAFIEL JR, the Commanding Officer of the said unit also denies the involvement of his men in any political undertaking. According to him, there is no meeting or assembly related to ITDSS that took place in San Jose de Buan. The headquarters of 34IB is in the heart of San Jose de Buan municipality and if there is any activity related to the programs of 34IB, being the Commander, he is the first one to know. On the allegation that SSg Guillermo Daga of 52IB exerted his influence over some CAFGUs and threatened them to be relieved from duty by transferring them to another area if they refuse to support their SK and ABC candidates in the upcoming elections, is again baseless and unfounded. A mere SSg who is only acting in his capacity as a detachment commander, could not in any manner influence the relief of a CAFGU from his duty considering that CAFGUs are geographical forces aimed to render service in their own locality as prescribed by AFP. Also, the relief of a certain CAFGU from his post or a termination from his duties requires a process and approval from higher headquarters.

While the 8ID stands firm of isolating itself as an organization in politics, it is also a Command policy to get rid of its members who in any manner, committed any acts prejudicial to good order. While we also appreciate the efforts of our friends from the media, we are also calling on them to refrain from publishing such an article that could tarnish the good image of the military as an organization. If indeed they have any legitimate concerns or complaints on the actuations or any infractions committed by our troops, they could present it to us. We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on that. We will not tolerate any wrongdoings of our personnel and we assure the people that we are here to serve them, not for the interest of any individuals or groups.

Major General Chan further stressed in his statement, “We have nothing to do with politics. Our business is peace and order of Samar Island. Anyone who will go against peace and order will be subject of our actions as we implement the rule of law. Let us therefore be vigilant and continue to work hand and hand to achieve a genuine peace and ultimately development for the people of this area”. The good General concluded.

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04 December 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

802nd Infantry Brigade meets new commander

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – The Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade met its new commander after a humble yet meaningful change of command ceremony that was held in their headquarters in Carmen, Bohol today.

It was presided by no less than the commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Mario Chan which was also witnessed by the top brasses of the Army in Eastern Visayas and friends from different agencies and stakeholders such as Congressman Aumentado, Governor Chato and the Municipal Mayor of Carmen, Bohol.

After almost two (2) years of driving the successes of his brigade against the insurgents in Bohol and Cebu provinces, Brigadier General Alan Luga who will be assuming a higher post and responsibility in the Armed Forces satisfactorily relinquished his commandership to his successor, Colonel John Bonafos.

It was during the stint of Brigadier General Luga as commander of the said brigade when Internal Security Operations (ISO) responsibility in Bohol, Cebu and Biliran provinces were handed over to their respective Peace and Order Councils (POC).

On the other hand, Colonel Bonafos was not new in the area as he was one amongst those who gave their share of ISO accomplishments in Bohol being the former commanding officer of 15IB and the former deputy brigade commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Bohol.

In his assumption speech, he said that, as a new commander of 802nd Brigade, he will focus his efforts to sustain the peace that reigns in Bohol and to prevent the re-incursion of the Communist Terrorists (CTs) to the provinces declared as insurgent free already.

Meanwhile, Major General Chan thanked Brigadier General Luga for his remarkable accomplishments that brought change of lives to the people in the area. He also congratulated General Luga for a job well done.

He likewise expressed his appreciation to the local leaders of the province such as Congressman Aumentado, Governor Chato and the municipal mayors for spearheading the fight against the insurgents.

“The success in Bohol is a classic example on winning against the CPP-NPA having the LCEs on the lead in the partnership with the Army,” General Chan concludes. ###

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

8TH CIVIL- MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPRERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp General Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan Samar

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

Government troops discover another NPA camp

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – Operating elements of 3rd Scout Ranger Company discovered an NPA camp at vicinity Brgy. Rufino, Las Navas, Northern Samar at about 1:30 p.m. December 3, Friday

Accordingly, troops received information coming from concerned citizen regarding the presence of armed men in their locality. Troops immediately acted on the information received thru text message and discovered NPA camp that can accommodate more or less 20 Communist Terrorists (CTs) with ten (10) makeshift hut bunkers, two (2) post and it has a water point at its vicinity with early warning devices installed in its periphery.

It can be recalled, from August to date, 38 encampments of the CTs were already discovered by the government troops. One of this is the main camp of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that of the National Organization Department (NOD) of the Central Committee of the CPP that were discovered in the tri boundaries of three (3) provinces of Samar Island.

Colonel Oscar Lopez, the commanding officer of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade based at Catarman, Northern Samar disclosed that the occupants of the newly discovered camp was planning to conduct sniping and ambuscades to the operating troops of the government.

Meanwhile, Major Mario F Chan, 8ID’s chief extended his appreciation to the local folks for the timely information that resulted to the discovery of said camp applauded his men for a job well done.

He also said that, with the continues support of our people, we will soon achieve the long deprive peace and development in Region 8.###

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

02 December 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

8ID starts month-long Christmas celebration

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army formally kicked off the month-long celebration for the Christmas season with

a ceremonial switch-on of Christmas lights held in front of its Headquarters building here.

The switch-on ceremony, preceded by a Christmas lantern contest was witnessed by civilian guests, military personnel, civilian employees, military dependents and other civilian personalities from Catbalogan.

In a simple program Dr. Dominador Q Cabangon, Ph.D., one of the judges in the lantern contest, in his message, saluted the 8ID for the good work and acknowledged the Command’s

continuing effort of rendering service to the people of Samar Province. He expressed his feelings of delight seeing the craf

tsmanship of the stormtroopers as evidenced by the c

olorful lantern entries made of indigenous materials.

He also, appreciated the

8ID’s unique way of observing the Yuletide Season through the ceremonial switching of christmas lights that illuminated the entire 8ID Headquarters Building and its peripheries.

Major General Mario F Chan, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said that the switch-on of Christmas lights is just one of the activities lined up for the month-long Christmas celebration.

Others are Search for Christmas singing soldier, sports fest which aim

s to promote sports development, camaraderie, esprit-de-corps and sportsmanship among the military

personnel and a variety show during the stormtroopers night. The activity will be highlighted by raffle

draw among the personnel of the Command.

After the ceremony Maj. Gen. Chan distributed Certificate of

Appreciation to the jurors of Christmas lantern contest which was followed by one minute fireworks

presentation while the 8ID choirs with Stormtroopers Band sings Christmas carols to the delight of the audience.

This is the 8ID’s way of celebrating the Christmas season, as the Command believes that spirit of Christmas should be enjoyed and cherished by all peace-loving Filipino citizens of the country.

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 November 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

Land Line: (055) 251-2264

8ID troops apprehend NPA regular member

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – As a result of pursuit operations conducted by the troops of Alpha Company of the 8ID’s 87th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Northern Samar, one (1) regular member of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was apprehended at Brgy Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar at around 1: 32 p.m., November 29.

The CT member was identified as Domingo Hinandoy alias Ninoy, a full time guerilla member. Hinandoy revealed that he had participated in a series of combat activities, like ambush in Jipapad and Gamay of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, respectively and a squad member of alias Jessie (true name unknown) an identified recruiter at Sinunugan de Tubang, Sivino Lobos, Northern Samar. He also named some personalities belonging to his squad.

In a report made by Lieutenant Colonel Leo Lorenzo Madroñal, commanding officer of 87IB disclosed that the unit acted upon a report text by the local populace regarding a band of CT’s conducting extortion activities in their area.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division commended the soldiers for a job well done. He likewise extends his thanks to the people of Brgy Osmeña, Las Navas of Northern Samar for the information that was timely provided to the soldiers.

“If these cooperation from civil society will continue, we can easily defeat or totally eradicate the insurgents that hampered our peace and development here in Eastern Visayas”, Major General Chan adds.

As of press time, Hinandoy is undergoing custodial debriefing at the Headquarters of 87IB for further filing of appropriate charges.###

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29 November 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA

Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

Land Line:

Civilian tips foiled CTs plan of collecting food stuffs!

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar – the troops of Alpha Company of 87th Infantry battalion under 1st Lt. Taguinay L Agoy while acting on the reported presence of armed Communist Terrorists as reported by civilians through a text message, encountered more or less eight CTs one kilometer from the village on November 29, 2010 at 1:32 p.m. Accordingly, the said communist terrorists’ presence in the area was for the purpose of collecting food stuffs from the populace as scheduled. The said encounter happened while the troops were conducting combat and clearing operations at vicinity Brgy. Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar

Fire fight ensued for about five minutes, after which the CTs scampered to different directions dragging with them their wounded members. No one was hurt on the government side.

The encounter is a product of a timely information provided by the local populace who are against the CTs’ harassment and extortion, a clear manifestation that they desire peace and stability in their area.

Earlier on the same day, elements of Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion under 2nd. Lt. Glenn De Ramos while conducting combat operation discovered an abandoned camp of New People’s Army at Brgy Anagasi, Paranas Samar on November 29, 2010 at about 7:28 a.m.

Said abandoned camp has two halls (bulwagan) and has 80 bunkers that can accommodate more or less 80 Communist Terrorists (CTs).

According to Lt. Col. William Peñafiel, 34IB’s commanding officer the abandoned camp could be an alternate camp established before by Regional Guerilla Unit of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) operating in the area that they utilized in case of discovery of their main camp.

The troops of 34IB and 87IB are currently conducting pursuit operations against the fleeing terrorists.

Lt. Gen. Arthuro B Ortiz, Commanding General, Philippine Army sent a congratulatory message to Maj. Gen. Chan of this result. Similarly, Major General Mario F Chan, 8ID chief, commended the troops for timely responding to the report from the concerned civilians. He also extends his appreciation to the people of Samar for their support and cooperation given to the operating units of 8ID by pointing out the exact locations of the CTs operating in the area. ###

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

8TH CIVIL-MILITARY OPERATIONS (DANGPANAN) BATTALION

8TH INFANTRY (STORM TROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY

Camp Genaral Vicente, Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29 November 2010

Contact: LTC NOEL A VESTUIR OS (GSC) PA
Commanding Officer

Mobile Nr: 09159474062

8ID Apprehends member of Private Armed Group

Camp Lukban, Catbalogan Samar – Army troopers from the 52IB of Purog detachment headed by Ssg Paras apprehended a certain Reynaldo Derio alias Noknok believed to be a member of Private Armed Group (PAG) of unknown political leader at Brgy Bocawe, Gandara, Samar on November 28, 2010 at 3:00 a.m.

Guided by information from concerned citizen of the said barangay, the Army troops conducted strike operations in the area of Brgy Bocawe, Gandara, Samar that resulted to the apprehension of Derio and the recovery of one AR 15 Colt M653 Cal 5.56, and one Colt Combat Commander Cal.45 pistol

The campaign against Private Armed Groups is one of the current efforts of the 8ID following the directive from President Benigno Aquino to get rid of these groups that threaten the security situation in the AOR. Through the support of the local folks in providing timely and accurate information and the enhanced coordination between the Army and the civilian populace in the area, 52IB had succeeded in the said operation. The massive information drives conducted by the 8ID have immensely enlightened the people of Samar, on their roles in our security efforts that have made them our significant partner in our thrust to eliminate the lawless elements and communist terrorists to include Private Armed Groups.

Maj. Gen. Mario F Chan, the 8th Infantry Division Chief commended the concerned soldiers and CAA’s of 52nd Infantry Battalion for a job well done of protecting the people, and likewise expressed his gratitude to the people of Samar for their wholehearted support to the intensified security operations that the Army is currently undertaking.###