By DPAO, 8ID PA
Hon. Sharee Ann Tan-Delos Santos, Governor of Samar; Hon.
Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, 1st District Congressman of Samar Province; Hon. Emil
L. Ong, 2nd District Congressman of Northern Samar; Hon. Gracing the occasion
was Lt. Gen. John S. Bonafos, Commander, Central Command, who was also the
guest of honor and speaker. The activity was well-attended with the presence of
key stakeholders throughout the region. Ronaldo S. Aquino, Mayor Calbayog City;
Hon Antonio B. Delos Reyes Jr., Mayor of Biri, Northern Samar; Mr. Virgilio DC
Galvez, Philippine Information Agency Region 8, Deputy Director General, Mr. Rommel
Rutor, President, Stormtrooper Press Corps, PCSUPT Henry P. Losanes, Police
Regional Director 8 and representatives from the Republic of Korea Armed
Forces.
The celebration started with a field mass and was followed
by wreath laying for the fallen soldiers of 8ID for the year 2013-2014.
Lt. Gen. Bonafos praised the active and exemplary
performance of the Stormtroopers. In his message, “This is an opportune time to
commend the Stormtroopers for the accomplishments and the successes you have
made in weakening the enemy by constricting their movements and activities.”
In addition, Bonafos also praised the Stormtroopers for its
part in the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response when super typhoon Yolanda
struck the region. “Talaga namang nakakamangha ang ginawa ng mga sundalo ng 8ID
at ito ay nasaksihan hindi lang ng mga kababayan natin ditto sa ating Bansa,
kundi maging ang mga tao sa buong mundo.”
Meanwhile, as 8ID celebrates its 26th Founding Anniversary
the following are its accomplishment for CY 2013-2014 in performing its mandate
as the protector of the people and the state in Eastern
Visayas : It has initiated 56 encounters against NPA rebels which
resulted to the neutralization of 8 NPA rebels and the recovery of 22
high-powered and 16 low-powered firearms.
In addition, it facilitated the surrender of 50 NPA rebels
to the government who brought along with them eight (8) high powered and 15
low–powered firearms. Under Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of
the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP), the Division
was able to facilitate the release of P1.19M benefits for 21 of the
surrenderees. Other surrenderees who have not yet received their benefits are
still on process and due to be release anytime.
In performing its mandate, 12 of our comrades made the
ultimate sacrifice of defending our beloved country, while 18 soldiers were
wounded in action (WIA) during the same period.
The Division was also instrumental in the declaration of 20
of 26 towns of Samar and 21 out of 24 towns of Northern
Samar as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready areas.
By year-end 2014 all the remaining towns are expected to be declared as MCADR.
Meaning, peace and order will be stable as NPA influence and presence in the
said towns will be minimal and can be adequately addressed by the local
governments units thru the Philippine National Police.
Maj. Gen Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry
Division in his message said, “During the 26 years of the 8ID’s struggle to
maintain peace, its partnership with the peace-loving stakeholders of Eastern
Visayas was the source of its inner strength in coping with the challenges
along its path in the pursuit of peace and development. We were and are
indebted with the people for the things that have we accomplished.”
“With the stakeholders as the partner of the Division in all
its endeavors, I am full of optimism that the partnership will hurdle all the
challenges that lie ahead,” he added.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/aug/d116.htm
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