8th ID marks 26th anniversary of serving the people in disaster while securing the land

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 4): 8th ID marks 26th anniversary of serving the people in disaster while securing the land

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar - The 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City marked its 26th anniversary drumbeating its service to the people especially the victims of calamities and disaster.

In an audio-visual presentation, it underscored the significant role of the Storm troopers Division during rescue operations in disasters that hit Eastern Visayas.

The elements of 8th ID with its different battalions and units all over Samar, Leyte and Biliran responded first in calamities like the flashflood in Ormoc City (Leyte) in 1991,  the Guinsaugon, St Bernard, S Leyte, landslide tragedy in 2006 and the super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Samar and Leyte in 2013.

“In all of these tragedies, our 8th ID storm troopers braved them all,” said the AVP.

Central Command Chief  LtGen John Bonafos who served as Guest of Honor praised the “Storm troopers” for their bravery, steadfastness and resiliency.

“Nakakamangha po ang ipinakitang kagitingan at kabayanihan ng ating mga tropa sa Silangang Visayas.”

Commanding General of the 8th ID, Jet Velarmino in his message said that his troops’ commitment remains , unflinching in the midst of the different challenges of the division.

Spotted in the VIP row were Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Rep Mel Senen Sarmiento of Samar first district, Rep Emil Ong of Northern Samar and Vice Governor Carlo Loreto of Leyte.

The division through its different disaster relief operations heralded their theme: 8th Infantry “Storm troopers Division Kabalikat ng Sambayanan Patungo Sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Silangang Bisayas”.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1221406889299