The Philippine Army (PA) hailed on Monday, June 16, the achievements of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) against the communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas (Region 8).

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, PA commanding general, visited the headquarters of 8ID at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan, Samar over the weekend to recognize several of its units and personnel for their “invaluable achievements and exemplary contributions to the Army’s mission.”

The 8ID, also called the “Stormtroopers Division”, dealt a huge blow to the regional unit of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas, the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), after it killed an alleged communist rebel belonging to the group during an encounter in the hinterlands of Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Sunday, June 15.

Members of the 63rd Infantry Battalion conducted focused military operations after receiving a report from concerned residents that armed individuals were present in their community and demanding food.

A 15-minute firefight ensued between the government troops and the armed suspects who, the military said, were remnants of the EVRPC’s Sub-Regional Committee Sesame.

After the encounter, the troops recovered the remains of an alleged communist fighter. 

He was identified by the 8ID as Jomar Discar alias “Guimo/Bobby”. Troops also seized an M653 rifle, five short magazines, bandolier, three back packs, and documents. 

The troops have coordinated with the local government unit to facilitate the burial assistance for the slain rebel.

Galido, in his remarks delivered before the 8ID troopers, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a positive work environment and healthy living conditions for the soldiers and civilian employees to further improve their work efficiency.

“Despite knowing the hardships and sacrifices that come with wearing the Philippine Army uniform, you still volunteered to serve — and that makes you different. That makes you the breathing force of this organization,” Galido said.

“Hence, your service must not only be rewarded with opportunities for professional growth but also with a working environment that promotes physical competency and mental resilience,” the Army chief added.

He also discussed ongoing and future projects aimed at uplifting soldiers’ morale and welfare.

Galido visited the headquarters of the 803rd Infantry Brigade in Catarman, Northern Samar where he led the ribbon-cutting and ceremonial turnover of a Collapsible Modular Ammunition Storage (CMAS), a container or storage system designed for efficiently storing and transporting ammunition.