8ID intensifies participation in the 118th Balangiga Encounter Day Commemoration

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30, 2019): 8ID intensifies participation in the 118th Balangiga Encounter Day Commemoration (By 8ID, Philippine Army)

CAMP MAJOR EUGENIO DAZA, Samar -- The 8th Infantry Division “Stormtroopers” through the leadership of Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, AFP, actively joined the provincial local government of Eastern Samar in commemorating the 118th Balangiga Encounter Day through various activities on September 25- 28, 2019 at the Balangiga Town Plaza, Poblacion, Balangiga, Eastern Samar.

The municipality of Balangiga with the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar hosted again the yearly Balangiga Encounter Day commemoration and this year’s theme, “Remembering the heroism of the Balangigan-on towards a better appreciation of our local history.”

Different activities such as the Kasugbong Art Exhibit, Service Fair, Banda Parada Competition, Bloodletting, Cultural competitions, Civic-Military parade and wreath-laying ceremony highlighted the affair.

Personnel from the 8th Infantry Division based in Brgy Maulong, Catbalogan, Samar rendered free services to the locals and spectators of the events, from security operations to community outreach activities.

The 8ID Marching Band marched together with the locals during the civic-military parade.

Further, personnel from the 14th IB joined in the service fair and bloodletting while the medical team augmented the local MDRRMC.

MGen Diñoso, commander of the 8th ID, PA, the military host, accompanied Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go during the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the brave and courageous Filipino (Samarenos) who gallantly fought the American colonizers.

The 14th IB Armored vehicles afforded the event with 21 gun salute. Security personnel and bomb-sniffing dogs from the K-9 units of the Philippine Army were deployed while joint AFP/PNP checkpoints were conducted along the national highway of the province.

Twenty-Three (23) local chief executives from the province of Eastern Samar with thousands of spectators gathered together to commemorate one of the bloodiest events during the Philippine-American war.

According to Col Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade whose area covers the whole of Eastern Samar, “I will not allow any peace spoilers to spread chaos during the momentous event of Balangiga Day. I will utilize all available assets to keep safe every individual who wish to celebrate. We will work hand-in-hand with the PNP counterparts for the safety of everybody.”

The 8ID’s effort during the 118th Balangiga Encounter Day commemoration was recognized by no less than Sen. “Bong” Go who at the same time was the guest speaker during the event.

“Considering the people behind the 118th Balangiga Encounter Day commemoration, the untiring working committees and whose contributions are unparalleled, to the 8th Infantry Division, you deserve to be recognized,” Go told the troops.

The 8th Infantry (STORMTROOPERS) Division will work hand in hand and bring about a concerted effort among the different stakeholders towards attaining a peaceful 118th Balangiga Encounter Day commemoration. (PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028089