87th Army battalion in Samar cited for excellent performance

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): 87th Army battalion in Samar cited for excellent performance

The Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry “Hinirang” Battalion, the youngest army battalion deployed in Samar to augment the troops in the area and to beef up the government’s counterinsurgency drive, was cited for its commendable achievements in its three years stint in the province.

Gen. Gerardo Layug, commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, awarded two citations to the 87th IB now stationed in this remote and NPA-infested municipality.

87IB commander Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro, Jr. received two citations – the Most Combat Efficient and Central command Best Infantry Battalion - during its 3rd anniversary celebration.

Five soldiers and one militiaman were also awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Devices for their commendable engagement with the notorious NPA combatants.

Three years ago, the 87IB was activated pursuant to General Orders No. 145 dated April 9, 2010.

Consisting of about 500 soldiers, 190 of whom served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping teams in Liberia and Haiti. They were deployed to carry out internal security operations in Samar- one of the areas with a huge concentration of communist rebels.

In year 2012, aside from its series of minor accomplishments in its area of responsibility (AOR), the 87th IB big break came when they discovered the biggest NPA bomb factory in Paranas, Samar in 2012.

The battalion also neutralized one of the biggest security threats in the name of one Ka Beloy, a member of the Section Committee Isabela in March 2013.

All of these accomplishments were considered “a victory” by the military in its battle against the communist movement."

Meanwhile, the 87th IB celebrated their 3rd anniversary by planting trees, conducting fun run, medical and dental activities dedicated to the people of San Jose de Buan town.

Gen.Layug, other military officials and the Mayor Ananias Rebato lauded the men and women behind the 87th Infantry Battalion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=518205