8ID TROOPERS CONDUCTS RESCUE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN VISAYAS REGION

CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY — Military troops of the 8^th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division, Philippine Army is currently conducting relief and rescue operations in the areas affected by flooding brought about by the weeklong rainfall in Region 8.

Major General Armando L Cunanan AFP, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division immediately instructed concern unit commanders to organized troops in their respective area of responsibility to be dispatch in order to conduct Disaster Rescue and Relief operations and Task Group from the Division Headquarters to monitor the areas affected by flooding.

It may be recalled that for the past few days the Eastern Visayas Region have experience continuous heavy rainfall that caused flooding and landslides in different provinces of the region. Reports disclosed that the province of Eastern Samar incurred the most number of affected barangays which were submerged in water brought about by the calamity.

As of press time, four (4) platoons from 14^th Infantry Battalion headed by LTC JOSE P MATIAS INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer were dispatched to municipalities of Oras, Maslog, Jipapad and Borongan City, two (2) company from 62^nd Infantry Battalion under LTC JONATHAN G PONCE INF (GSC) PA were also dispatched to the municipalities of Mc Arthur, Quinapondan, Maydolong, Llorente all of Eastern Samar, Basey and Sta Rita in Western Samar to conduct rescue and relief operations.

Following are the following municipalities which were affected by the calamity with its estimated damages:

FLOODED AREA
Municipality	Nr of Brgys Affected	Estimated Property Damages	Nr of Populace Affected
Arteche, ESamar	13		1,068 – families 5,340 – persons
Balangiga, ESamar	2		5 – families 17 – persons
Balangkayan, ESamar	9		451 – families 2,183 – persons
Borongan, ESamar	30		1,376 – families 6,522 - persons
Can-avid, ESamar	14		1,878 – families 8,411 – persons
Dolores, Esamar	27	P5 Million Crop damage	4,050 families 20,250 – persons
Gen Mc Arthur, ES	30		2,556 – families 12,730 – persons
Giporlos, ESamar	10		350 – families 2,007 - persons
Guiuan, ESamar	7		130 – families 419 - persons
Hernani, ESamar	7		48 – families 284 - persons
Jipapad, ESamar	13		1,120 - families 5,800 – persons
Lawaan, ESamar	16		227 – families 1,187 persons
Llorente, ESamar			1,180 – families 8,021 - persons
Maslog, ESamar	12	P11.815 Million	802 – families 4,010 – persons
Maydolong, ESamar	20
Oras, Esamar	22		2,366 – families 14,196 – person
Quinapondan, ES	9		2,976 – families 14,880 – persons
Salcedo, ESamar	17		225 – families 1,125 – persons
San Julian, ES	18		3,152 – families 13,120 – persons
San Policarpo, ES	15		2,587 – families 12,935 - persons
Taft, ESamar	10		1,087 – families 5,058 – persons
Basey, WSamar	4		15 – families
San Jorge, WSamar			54 – families
Mun of Sta Rita, WS	5		240 – families
TOTAL	319		27,943– families 139,642 - persons

Reports reaching this headquarters, there were seven (7) dead, three (3) missing and two (2) were injured due to the calamity in Eastern Samar.

The activity is jointly conducted together with the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province of Eastern and Western Samar together with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) of the region.

Major General Cunanan extended his profound gratitude to the Local Government of Eastern Samar particularly in the municipalities of Eastern Samar and Western Samar for their continued support and cooperation to the efforts of the Philippine Army.

Likewise, he assured them of the Army’s deep commitment of performing the non-traditional role of the army in helping the people in times of calamities and disaster.

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14TH IB TROOPS DISCOVERED NPA ABANDONED CAMP

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, City – A New Peoples Army abandoned camp was discovered by operating troops of 14th Infantry Battalion at Sitio. Lunoy, Brgy. Tawagan, Arteche, Eastern Samar at 2:45 p.m. on February 8, 2008.

A team led by 2Lt. Lagunero of Alpha Company of 14IB was conducting combat operation in the area of Maslog and Arteche both of Eastern Samar, discovered NPA abandoned camp composed of 15 bunkers that can accommodate 50 Communist Terrorist, three guard posts and one comfort room.

Recovered from said camp were one Battle Dress Attire (BDA) Uniform, one black suit, one fatigue T-shirt, one flash light, one boot “buta”, water container and pentil pen inks.
Same troop encounters NPA communist terrorist (CT’s) armed with M16 Armalite rifle and home made shotgun believed to be members of third squad, platoon Rado, Eastern Samar Provincial Party Committee at Sitio Hitalinga, Brgy. Tawagan same municipality at around 10:40 a.m. on Feb 9, 2008. Firefight ensued for about one minute that resulted to the recovery of one home made shotgun with extra barrel and personal belongings containing letter and Larab (NPA’s local publication). No casualty was reported on both sides.

Maj. Gen. Armando Cunanan, 8ID chief, extends his appreciation to the people of Eastern Samar for their support and cooperation extended to the operating troops of the 14th IB. The encounter is a result of accurate intelligence information provided by the local populace, who are against the CT’s extortion activities, a clear manifestation that they yearns peace and development in their locality Cunanan said.

Government troops are conducting pursuit operations to locate and intercept the withdrawing terrorists.

46th Infantry (Peace Makers) Battalion Launches Project “KASANGKAYAN”

BARANGAY ERENAS, San Jorge, Samar – Lt. Col. Bonifacio Cebrian Jr., 46IB Chief in coordination and supports with the Local Executives in the 13 Municipal towns facilitates the activation of Integrated Area/Community Public Safety Plan (IA/CPSP) pursuant to section 51 of the Republic Act 6975 provides that the Municipal/City Mayors develop, establish, and oversee the implementation of the security, crime prevention, fire prevention, health and sanitation, disaster and relief operation, and development of their communities through the concerted effort of concerned government agencies.

In line to this, the 46IB conceptualized Project “KASANGKAYAN”, a Security Awareness Program for Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) giving emphasizes on their active role as an integral part of the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) that provides the first line security in defense in the barangay against all kinds of threats in order for the people to live peacefully. Considering the vital role of the CVO’s, there is a need to re-educate them on security and other related matters that will prepare them to undertake the active role.

The pilot Project “KASANGKAYAN” was officially conducted at the Municipal town of San Jorge, Samar for two day duration and participated by 41 Barangays with 700 participants. The activity was jointly undertaken by 46IB and local executives headed by Hon. Nancy B Gray, Municipal Mayor of san Jorge, Samar who provided the unwavering support and utmost cooperation in the success of the activity. The Project “KASANGKAYAN” will reflect on the other adjacent municipalities within the Area of Operation to strengthen the ITDS of the communities.

NPA MEMBERS SURRENDERS IN LEYTE

CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY – The ranks of the CPP/NPA/NDF continue to diminish as another two NPA members voluntary surrendered to elements of 43^rd Infantry Battalion in separate occasions in Leyte province.

On January 4, 2008, Narceso Lor @ Elor surrendered to elements of Bravo Company of 43IB in Brgy Luneta, Lapaz, Leyte with a Caliber .30M1 Garand rifle. Likewise, on January 12, 2008. Antonio Selvio, a CT member also surrendered to same elements of 43IB in Brgy Caabangan, Lapaz of same province with his M16 rifle and ammunitions.

The series of surrender among Communist Terrorists members and supporters shows that they are already fed up and dismayed with the false promises and horrible lifestyle in the underground movement. Moreso, when they learned that their commanders are enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in the city as a proof of the earlier arrest of Iglecerio Peria “KA CHOY” at Sta Maria cockpit Arena in Bulacan spending revolutionary Tax Collection.

This was attributed through the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by the operating elements of 43^rd Infantry Battalion in the area.

Major General Armando L Cunanan AFP, Commander, 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the operating troops of the 43^rd Infantry Battalion for a job well done.

He also encouraged other members and supporters of the New People’s Army to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society while he extend his gratitude to the people of Leyte for the unwavering support they are extending to our troops operating in the province of Leyte.

FIVE DAYS MEDICAL AND DENTAL CIVIC ACTION PROGRAM LAUNCH

Sogod, Southern Leyte – In an effort to bring free health services to the less fortunate constituents, the 43^rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, 8^th Infantry Division, PA under the leadership of LTC MARIO G LACUROM INF (GSC) PA, in tandem with the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries Incorporated (FOBI), a non-government organization (NGO) that promotes community-based development services for children, youths and families under the supervision of Mr. Edgar Mero, Board of Trustees President, with the assistance of the World Vision Development Foundation and in coordination with the Rural Health Units facilitated a five days Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) with one target municipality each day.

Medical and Dental Officers from Camp Lukban Station Hospital (CLSH) stationed at 8^th ID, PA, Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar and personnel from 43IB, 8ID, PA were able to provide free circumcision, medical consultation, dental services, haircut and other services to the community. Likewise, the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries Incorporated (FOBI), with the assistance of the World Vision Development Foundation, shouldered the medicines needed for the said activity, as well as, provided Medical and Dental doctors.

On December 11, 2007 at about 7:30 in the morning, Medical and Dental Team from CLHS under 1LT FREDERICK M CHICOTE PA, Civil-Military Operations Officer of 43IB, together with the medical and dental doctors of the RHU of Maasin City and the Federation of Omega Beneficiaries Incorporated headed by Ms. Sofia B Pono, FOBI Project Coordinator arrived at the Municipality of Macrohon, Southern Leyte, the first venue of the five days MEDCAP.

The group provided medical and dental consultations, circumcision and other health services to the community. The activity ended at about 5:00 in the afternoon benefiting a total of 417 less fortunate constituents.

On the following day, same group of medical and dental personnel with MAJ EMILIANO M TOLING JR, Executive Officer of 43IB arrived at the Municipality of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte for the continuation of the MEDCAP that benefited 417 beneficiaries. On the succeeding three days, the group proceeded to the Municipality of Bato, Leyte; Brgy Asuncion, Maasin City and Brgy Caridad Sur, Matalom, Leyte to conduct same activity which benefited 399, 421 and 562 patients, respectively.

The week long MEDCAP culminated on December 15, 2007 benefiting a total of 2,117 less fortunate constituents.

43IB, 8ID, PA ESTABLISHES ANOTHER “CRUSADE” GROUP

Sogod, Southern Leyte – October 2, 2007, LTC MARIO G LACUROM INF (GSC) PA, the Battalion Commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army spearheaded the establishment of another Krusada Kontra NPA Chapter in the 5th District of Leyte.

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Avenger Welcomes New Battalion Commander

Oras, Eastern Samar - The 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division,Philippine Army welcomes its new battalion commander during the Change of Command ceremony held at the Battalion Headquarters at Brgy Dao, Oras, Eastern Samar last October 30, 2007 with Maj.Gen. Armando L. Cunanan AFP, the Commanding General of 8th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division, as the presiding officer and guest speaker.

Present during the program are Col. Alex N Albano Inf (GSC) PA, the Deputy Brigade Commander of 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade, Maj Jaime L Adlaon (CAV) PA, from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for G1, 8ID ant the mayor of DOlores Atty. Emiliana P. Vilacarillo, Lt. Col. Wilson M. Leyva Inf (GSC) PA relinquished its command to Lt. Col. Jose P Matias (Inf) PA as the new Commanding Officer of the Avenger with great hope of continuing the unit's thrust in the socio-economic development and security of its area of operation.


Taking over as the new commander is Lt. Col. Jose P. Matias is from San Nicolas, Gapan, Nueva Ejica, once served as the Commanding Officer of HHSBn, 9ID, PA at Camp Elias, Pili, Camarines Sur prior to his assignment here with the Avenger. He is a decorated officer and a born leader who was stationed in the different places in the Philippines with numerous awards and decorations under his belt. Taking up the challenge as the new Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Matias is up to the challenge and ready to lead the one of the well known and celebrated battalion in the country.

COMMUNIST TERRORIST MEMBER SURRENDERED

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46 NPA SUPPORTERS W/ 30 LPFA’S IN 3RD DISTRICT OF LEYTE SURRENDERED TO 19IB

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