802nd IB turns 36, marks anniversary with medical mission
TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 178 former rebels and their families received free wellness checks from the 802nd Infantry Brigade's Healthcare Fair and Medical Care program in Camp Downes, Ormoc City, Leyte.
The health and wellness program were part of the 36th founding anniversary of the 802nd IB.

THE 802nd Infantry Brigade holds a medical mission during its 36th founding anniversary. (Photo via Marie Marticio)
The brigade offered services other than peace and security in the provinces of Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, and Eastern Samar.
The program provided free medical and dental checkup, tooth extraction, circumcision, blood-letting, and eye care checkup to assess their health status and address their health concerns.
Active soldiers, CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs), their dependents, and locals also benefitted from the program.
The program aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and encouraged troopers to be more conscious of their health and the health of others through a blood donation drive.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, 802nd Brigade commander, lauded organizations, partner agencies, and individuals who supported the activity.
“We will not cease to think about the welfare and the morale of our personnel and their dependents, the former rebels, their families, and civilians as we continue the legacy of our service to everyone regardless of the social background and inclination within our area of operations,” he said.
Vestuir acknowledged the whole-of-nation approach in finally defeating the problem of insurgency.
“Through this kind of partnership and collaboration with the government, non-government organizations, and kind-hearted individuals in delivering basic health services, we can send a message that unity provides a stable support system for the FRs as they transition back to the folds of society.”
Vestuir maintained that soldiers remain committed to their mandate of protecting the public while continuing the call of the government for the remaining active NPA members to live a normal and peaceful life.