The 34^th Infantry Battalion was activated on February 1974 the nucleus of its personnel and equipment drawn from the first Infantry Division, Philippine Army. MGEN MANUEL V CACANANDO (RET), then a LTC BECAME the first Battalion Commander when he assumed command of the unit on 20 May 1974. the unit initially had a total strength of the thirty four (34) Officers, one hundred forty two (142) enlisted personnel and four hundred twenty (420) trainees, which underwent four (4) months rigid Molave Warfare Training.

             A few months later, on 020300 October 1974, the troops left Fort Magsaysay and arrived at their first designation on 08 October 1974 in  Lamitan, Basilan where they relieved in placed the 23^rd Infantry Battalion, 4^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. The battalion had its baptism of fire when bravo company stationed at Campo Tres was harassed and subjected to automatic fire by undetermined number of enemy.

             Following the methodology of the Campaign set by the AFP, the 34^th carried a two (2) fold strategy of right hand and left hand effort thru massive combat operations and civil assistance operations. This proved to be very effective because in just period on one (1) year the whole municipality of Lamitan was rehabilitated. A total of approximately 256 kilometers of agricultural land was likewise reclaimed from the hands of the rebels/terrorists: barrio Lahi-lahi, Singkapan, Tablas, Bato-bato, Buton and Dugaa were liberated from the terrorists. Barangays schools were reopened and  temporary school buildings were constructed and regular transports were restored.

             Grateful appreciation of these accomplishments, the provincial board of Basilan passed as resolution commending the officers and men of 34^th Infantry Battalion for a job well done in the pacification campaign.

             Pursuant to section III General Orders Number 138 H8ID dated 01 February 1976 LTC ALBERTO LUCERO (INF) PA (now deceased) was designated Commanding Officer in acting capacity until 01 May of Officer of the unit. The assumption of the Command of LTC LUCERO carried with it the extension of the area of responsibility of the unit which included the whole town of Tuburan covering a total land area of 265 square kilometers. LTC LUCERO organized a Reinforced Composite company to clear suspected enemy positions in some critical area of the AOR.

             In the succeeding months of Cease Fire  accord from February to November 1976, the unit busied itself in civic action with the  end view of winning the hearts and mind of the people and instill thrust and confidence of the citizenry to the duly constituted government in Basilan frequent dialogues with the people were held and Medical and Dental Aids were extended evacuees were rehabilitated and people were encouraged to increase their food production in coordination with the department of education,  culture and sports and civic minded citizens in the area, the unit succeeded in the reopening g of the classes to ten (10) schools erstwhile critical area for the school year 1976-77 in the Municipality of Lamitan. The Battalion was accredited with the  construction of infrastructure project during the initial stage of the regular operation of the Municipality of Lamitan.

             On 15 November 1976 its successful two years and one  month peace campaign in Basilan the move to Jolo for major operations with units of 3/1 Bde, 1ID, PA though a number of Officers and men have been reassigned or terminated, “Sprit the Corps” of the Battalion under the leadership of LTC LUCERO had been well maintain arriving Jolo wharf aboard LST 95, the troops were welcomed by COL ANGEL KANAPI (now retired Brigadier General), 3/1 Brigade Commander and his staff together with high ranking Officials of the province of Sulu. The Battalion immediately proceeded to Brgy Tugas, Patikul, Sulu. On 17 November 1976 the Battalion received OPLAN “KRIS” of the Brigade which subsequently signaled the conduct of combat operations. Initial encounter of the Battalion was at vicinity Kandiamak where one (1) rebel was killed and one (1) M16 with M203 was captured by the troops on 28 November 1976. The fiercest encounter of the 34^th Infantry Battalion against the terroristic was fought at Luba Hill an estimated 70-80 terrorists perished due to superior tactics and bravery shown by the member of the unit.

             On 07 December 1976, the 34^th Infantry Battalion relieved in place the 3^rd Infantry Battalion at Taglabi, Patikul, Sulu. Taglibi became the unit station from 07 December 1976 to 19 March 1978. With the cessation of hostilities by terrorists against government troops from 20 January 1977 to 09 October 1977, the unit confined it self in civic action, in coordination with provincial and national agencies, bringing the government closer to the hearts of the people of Patikul and particularly at Taglibi where the bulk of evacuees were concentrated.

             From 01 November 1977 to March 1978, 34^th Infantry Battalion figured in 27 intensive encounter against the enemy at vicinity Luba Hill, Bakung and Kaunayan complex all of Patikul, Sulu resulting to 45 KIA and WIA on the enemy side.

             On 19 March 1978 after one year and four months in Jolo the unit moved to Basilan to rejoin 2/1 Brigade. On its way to its former AOR (Lamitan, Basilan) via Tongkil, Sulu it met stiff resistance at Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. There it fought against enemy in a fierce gun battle the lasted for three (3) days, from 28-30 March 1978. Inflicting heavy casualty on the enemy side. Then in May 1978, the unit spearheaded other Battalions of 2/1 for the successful rescue of the fifty three (53) passengers of the ill-fated M/V Don Carlos who were made hostages by terrorists at Taburan, Basilan.

             On 21 July 1978, the 34^th Infantry Battalion was transferred to Isabela with the  Municipalities of Maluso and Lantawan all of Basilan province as its area of responsibility. It tremendously involved itself in various community projects like construction of school houses, feeder roads, improvement of water system and housing units which were all aimed at alleviating the living condition of the masses it also conducted civic actions on Medical and Dental services on land reform, the unit made representation with the “PACLAP” and the  Bureau of lands for the release of land titles to a number of settlers at barrio Calvario, Isabela. It also participated with other units of 2/1 Brigade in clearing operations in the en tire province.

             On 17 November 1978, the unit after eight (8) months of successful Campaign in Basilan was directed to move again to Jolo. Before proceeding to its new AOR, However, it conducted police operations at the municipalities of Indanan, Parang and Talipao all of Sulu Province.

             On 01 March 1980, 34^th Infantry Battalion was relieved from 1^st Infantry Division, Philippine Army and reassigned to 5^th Infantry Brigade (SEPARATE) PA, for a period of almost eight (8) months, the battalion conducted a series of offensive operations augmenting other neighboring units in restoring peace and order. 

             The Officer and Men of the unit stayed in Mindanao for six (6) years and twenty eight (28) days. Indeed, it  was a costly campaign because during the period, one hundred fifty one (151) precious lives were lost, three hundred eighty five (385) were  wounded and five (5) were declared missing in action.

             On 16 November 1980, this unit was transferred back to Luzon and was accorded a hero’s welcome the awarding of medals and decorations to deserving personnel highlight the welcome ceremony.

             On 26 February 1981, COL LUCERO was relieved and LTC DE LEON was designated as Commanding Officer of the unit. On that same day the Battalion left Sangley Point for Dolores, Eastern Samar relieving in placed the 52^nd PC Battalion. The 34^th Infantry Battalion was still in Dolores when MAJ EDMUND PACADA was designated as Acting Commanding Officer relieving LT COL DE LEON. After one (1) month, MAJ PACADA was relieved by COL LUCERO and his return to the unit proved to be productive both in combat and civic activities. But due to his lingering illness, COL LUCERO died on September 16, 1985 and was succeeded by LT COL ROLANDO S PESTAÑO.

             On 18 December 1986, the unit established its Battalion Headquarters in Borongan, Eastern Samar relieving in place the 2/8 Infantry Brigade (SEPARATE), PA. The unit under COL PERASTAÑO incurred minimal losses but inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

             On 11 May 1988, LT COL PESTAÑO was relieved as Commanding Officer and subsequently succeeded  by LT COL ALEXIS ALDEGUER. After the turn over of Command the Headquarters was transferred from Borongan to Lokilokon, Wright, Samar relieving in place 14IB, 8^th Infantry Brigade (SEPARATE), PA. On 07 July 1988. LT COL ERNESTO MAGPANTAY took over the Command  vice LT ALDEGUER.

             On 13 September 1988, after almost eight (8) years and three months of successful insurgency campaign in the Province of Samar and Eastern Samar, 34^th Infantry Battalion left for Leyte Island. The unit was placed under the Operational Control (OPCON) of 803^rd Infantry Brigade and established its temporary Hqs at Anahawan, Southern Leyte on September 1988. On 09 January 1989, the Battalion acted as a mobile force and moved its Headquarters to Malinao, Mahaplag, Leyte then to Brgy Patong, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte on 06 May 1989.

             On 28 July 1989, after eleven (11) months in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte, 34^th Infantry Battalion was redeployed to Samar island and placed under the operational control (OPCON) of 802^nd Infantry Brigade. After one (1) week sojourn at Headquarters 802^nd Infantry Brigade. The Battalion moved to Eastern Samar and established its Headquarters at Brgy Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. Two (2) months and one (1) week later on 15 Oct 1989, the Battalion excluding one (1) rifle Company was redeployed in San Jose de Buan and hinter barangays of Paranas, Motiong and Jiabong all of Western Samar, due to noted RGU concentration in the Tri boundaries of Western Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. The Battalion was injected deep into the enemy guerilla base with its Headquarters located in Brgy Caranas, Motiong, Samar.

             On 03 November 1989, LT COL MAGPANTAY was replaced by LT FELINO N TRISTE.

             On 21 December 1989, the unit established its Battalion in Calapi, Motiong, Samar. While in Brgy Calapi, the unit received a resolution of appreciation from the Municipality of Motiong, Samar in recognition for its invaluable accomplishments in civic action and the restoration of peace and order in the area.

             On 01 May 1991, LT COL TRISTE was relieved and subsequently, LT COL ADOLFO E PANTE was designated as Acting Commanding Officer of the unit.

             On 08 august 1991, the Battalion moved its Headquarters by foot from Brgy Calapi, Motiong, Samar to Brgy Trinidad, Calbayog City relieving in place 62^nd Infantry Battalion and took responsibility of the latter’s AOR composed of the City of Calbayog.

            And six (6) municipalities namely: Tarangnan, Pagsanjan, San Jorge, Gandara, Sta Margarita and Matuguinao with a total of three hundred sixty-six (366) Barangays.

             Following the changes of AOR, the unit has embarked on a massive combat/learning operations in its new AOR as a prelude to the intensification of SOT operations as envisioned in AFP Campaign Plan “LAMBAT BITAG”. The said combat operation have resulted to the neutralization of nine (9) regular CT’s, six (60 of whom were KIA and the other three (3) were captured, and the recovery of eight (8) HPFAs and six (6) LPFAs.

             The unit launched a series of SOT operations targeting all affected Barangays in the AOR. By the middle of 1992, the unit was able to de-influenced thirty (30) affected Barangays in the AOR which accounted for a total of two thousand seven hundred forty nine (2,749) CPP/NPA regulars, Subversive Mass Activist (SMA) and supporters/sympathizers voluntarily returning to the folds of the law. The conduct of the said SOT operations also necessitated the implementation of various CMO projects as complementary activities. The remarkable accomplishment of the unit in Counter Insurgency Operations (COIN) was cited by various municipalities in the AOR most notably the City of Calbayog and the Municipality of Matuguinao where most of the surrenderees came from.

             Due to continuous conduct of SOT operations and sustained implementation of CMO projects in the AOR, the following year, the unit was again able to neutralize seventy five (75) regular TDs, sixteen (16) of whom were KIA and the rest were surrenderees, recovered seventeen (17) HPFAs including various communications equipment, medicine and voluminous subversive documents of high intelligence value.

             To earn the trust and confidence of the people in the new AOR, the unit launched a fitting campaign the Araw-araw Kaibigan “Campaign” with the end result of befriending people in the AOR including those who tried to destroy the image of the unit right after its deployment in the AOR. Much of the accomplishments of the unit could be attributed to this campaign and it was a major accomplishments which earned for the unit the award of 8ID’s Best Battalion in CMO in 1993.

             In June 1993, LT COL ADOLFO E PANTE was relieved as Commanding Officer of 34IB, 8ID, and replaced by COL ANTONIO C SANTOS JR GSC (INF) PA Pursuant to Sec II, GO Nr 158 H8ID, PA dated 19 June 1993.

             The scheduled turn-over of COIN functions from DND-AFP to DILG-PNP in 1997 as envisioned by Executive Order 216 brought considerable pressure on the Battalion to fast track its Counter Insurgency Campaign (COIN). With COL SANTOS JR at the helm, the unit aggressively pursued its intensified campaign of flushing out remaining TDs and their mass bases in the AOR following the quadratic concept involving intelligence, combat CMO and internal security operations in order to reduce its internal security condition to a level conducive to PNP take over.

             For its well orchestrated operations, the unit was able to de-influence the remaining twenty-three (23) affected Barangays in the AOR, neutralize two thousand two hundred thirty-six (2,236), regular TDs, mass activist/supporters/sympathizers which resulted in the recovery of nine (9) HPFA’s including several equipments and voluminous subversive documents with high intelligence value. In support to the governments campaign on loose FA’s as implemented by “OPLAN PAGLALANSAG”, the unit was able to recover twenty-five (25) loose FA’s issued to vigilante group sometime in early eighties (80’s). Complementing the unit’s efforts to combat operations were the numerous intelligence and CMO operations launched which resulted to major accomplishments, among others, the capture of three (3) members of a robbery gang with one (1) M16 rifle, the neutralization of three (3) members of hold-up gang and the recovery of their loot amounting to four thousand pesos (4,000.00) and other valuables, identification of personalities of illegal loggers, the solution of the case in the killing of one (1) Venus Lacaba of Gandar, Samar, the arrest of a robber with his loot in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (50,000.00) and two (2) suspects for kidnapping and murder and the neutralization of seventy nine (79) NPA regulars thru negotiations.

             To maintain a high state of readiness among personnel, the unit regularly conducts various training and seminars which include among others, the following: Basic Intel Collection Seminar Refresher Course, CAA Basic Military Training, Basic Tradecraft Seminar, Capability Building Seminar, Preventive Driving and Vehicle Maintenance, Tinapa Making, Commando Training, Basic Computer Training and Mortar Gunnery Refresher Course.

             Likewise to keep pace with its increasing administrative requirements, the unit had taken the initiative to modernize its own information system by procuring four (4) sets of computers.

             Such accomplishment have earned the unit the following awards: Best Infantry Battalion for Calendar Year 1993 in 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Best Battalion in 8ID in 1994 Best Battalion in Intelligence in 8ID in 1994.

             Then in June 1995, COL ANTONIO C SANTOS JR  was relived and  reassigned to Mindanao to assume a higher post replacing him was his long time executive Officer MAJ DOMINADOR V MACALINTAL SR (INF) PA.

             LTC MACALINTAL SR continued as aggressively as ever the  programs of the 8ID drawing big support from the populace in the AOR whom he had befriended during his incumbency as EX-O of the Battalion and from the support of the ever loyal members of the “RELIABLE” Battalion.

             Taking advantage of the generally peaceful situation in the AOR, the unit had taken a strong preoccupation in civil military operations (CMO) and training it had spearheaded various activities in Medical and Dental civic action program with the help of the different LGUS and NGOS which benefited a total of seven thousand three hundred twenty three (7,323) patients who were treated free helped the DECS and NGUS in their literacy Campaign with the  completion of 13 ALPS classes conducted in various parts of the AOR which benefited some four hundred thirty eight (438) illiterates; and assisted the DENR, LGAS and LGUS in their Anti-Illegal logging campaign with the confiscated of forty one thousand nine hundred twenty nine (41,929) board feet of illegal cut lumber. The unit had also complemented its drive against illegal logging activities by planting tree in the AOR with a total of sixteen thousand two hundred forty five (16,245) seedlings.

             In keeping pace with the demand of professionalizing the
AFP, the unit had busied itself with the conduct of intensive skills Trainings/Seminars, which benefited the majority of its personnel including some of their dependents.

             In combat, the unit had participated in numerous combat operations initiated by HHQS and also conducted several of its own in its effort to neutralize the remaining DTs in the AOR. These combat operations resulted to the neutralization of 13 high-ranking DTs. The capture/surrender of fourteen (14) high power firearms and twenty three (23) low power firearms and several of ammunition and other war materiels and voluminous subversive documents of high intelligence value.

             On 09 January 1997, upon the direction of HHQS, the unit transferred its Battalion Headquarters from Barangay Trinidad, Calbayog City to Barangay Erenas, San Jorge, Samar.

             Eight months after, the transfer, on 01 September 1997 LTC RUBEN O RAFAEL 0-7087 INF (GSC) PA took over the reigns of the Battalion pursuant to section II, General Order Number 423 H8ID, PA dated 26 August 1997 Vice LTC DOMINADOR V MACALINTAL SR (INF) PA.

             The assumption of LTC RAFAEL as Commanding Officer of the unit ushered a new dynamism into the growing responsibility of the Battalion. Under his Command, the unit underwent the 2^nd Battalion retraining conducted from 20 October to 19 June 1998 and the CAA refresher training from 04 November to02 December 1998 to prepare itself for bigger challenges ahead. After the retraining the unit immediately plunged into action following the  concept of the AFP’s CAMPAIGN PLAN “KAISAGANAAN” (LO 142-92), the unit concentrated on CMO and combat operations supported by intelligence operation by utilizing one (1) company as strike force serving at the same time as Disaster Response Unit (DRU) and two (2) rifle companies as territorial defense in charge of CMO and intelligence. This strategy has provided the unit flexibility in addressing as highly mobile enemy by deploying troops anywhere in the AOR wherever the need arises. But barely four (4) months into action, on 01 November 1998, the unit company was reassigned to 63^rd Infantry Battalion, a newly activated Battalion of the 8^th Infantry Division. Replacing the said company were sixty five (65) personnel coming from the different unit of 8^th Infantry Division.

             .Unfazed by this massive change in the organization, the unit, nevertheless, aggressively pursued its mission participating in nineteen (19) HHQS directed operation and conducting twenty nine (29) Battalion initiated operations and fifty one (51) company operations, including eight (8) Civic Action operations, four (4) ARMY Cares operations, five (5) ALPS operations, two (2) MSOT, two (2) Accord operations and tree planting activities which resulted to the following: recovery of seven (7) high power firearms and two (2) landmines, neutralization of three (3) regular DTs and neutralization of one (1) hold-up gang with the captured of its leader and confiscated of their firearms and subsequently filing of criminal case against their members, capture of three (3) more criminals and subsequently filing of criminal cases against them in court, confiscation of eight thousand four hundred nineteen (8,419) board feet of illegally cut lumbers, identification of the names of illegal loggers in the AOR; five thousand seven hundred forty four (5,744) beneficiaries of Civic Action; seven thousand seven (7,007) beneficiaries of Army cares program; one hundred seven one (171) civilian beneficiary  of ALPS operations and six thousand seven hundred (6,700) seedling planted.

             On Logistic, the unit was able to accomplish the following:  construction of additional EP Barracks, construction of basketball court, improvement of motor pool, construction of ammo dump. Improvement of Bulwagan maintenance of its vehicles to 100% serviceability status.

             As a result of this accomplishments the Battalion received the following awards. The 13^th WSCAA Commanding Officer as the best CAA company in the AFP for 1998 and the best CAA company in VISCOM for 1998; letter of  commendation from LTGEN RAUL S URGELLO AFP, Commanding General, Philippine Army dated 24 November 1995 as the one of the Best Battalion in 8^th Infantry Division for 1998 several commendations from civil authority in the AOR.

             HHQS responded generously to the collective effort of units personnel by promoting three hundred twenty five (325) of the  four hundred ten (410) Enlisted Personnel of the unit, in just two years, broken down as follows: four (4) Msgt, eleven (11) TSg, thirty three (33) SSg, seventy (70) Sgt, one eighteen (118) Cpl and eighty nine Pfc.

            Then on September 1999, LTC ESPERIDION O REBADOMIA replaced LTC RAFAEL as Commanding Officer. He continued aggressively programs and plans that the Battalion is undertaking his leadership was also geared towards befriending the community by which a series of operations was conducted also jive with the conducted a formal dialogue  with the populace in the far flung area emphasizing in organizing  and mobilizing the people there at. During his time,  the Battalion grandstand was constructed near the basketball and tennis court.

             After six months, LTC REBADOMIA was replaced by then MAJOR SONNY L GADOT (INF) GSC PA on the 25 of April 2000. It was in this period  that a series of seminar and training was conducted for officers and men of the Battalion. His period was the time that re-conceptualization of the LAMBAT BITAG was realized wherein the CAMPAIGN PLAN “UPROOT THE WEEDS” was conceptualized. The plan was  focus on the deliberate and systematic conduct of triad operation making san Jose de Buan  as the constriction area a series of MSOT.  ALPS and ACORD operation was then conducted at the target influenced Barangay which brought about ISO gain for the Battalion community oriented activities was also enhance by constant dialogue with the  LGU and NGO in the AOR. It was in this period that  the Battalion adopted three (3) hectares of land at Barangay Mahayag, Catbalogan, Samar in coordination with the PBSP for reforestation project. During the evaluation of the national DECS office for Best Literacy Program for CY 1999-2000, the Battalion ALPS program was recognized and awarded as one of the most outstanding Literacy Program in national level. It was in this period that the area coordination center was being initiated by the Battalion to LGUS in the AOR. On the celebration of the Division Anniversary last 30 July 2001, the Battalion was then adjudge as the best performing Battalion in the field of administration and operation Division-wide and got the Division streamer award.

            With the government all out Campaign against secessionist movement in Mindanao during the period, the HHQS needed the troops of 63^rd Infantry Battalion to be redeployed on the month of April 2000 the Battalion took Calbayog City from 63^rd Infantry Battalion AOR. It was this time that realignment of line companies was carried out.

            With the new concept of the HHQS of moving the troops nearer to the enemy, the Battalion CP was then established at Barangay  Blanca Aurora, San Jorge, Samar on the 24 August 2001 making the  previous camp at Erenas, San Jorge as resent camp.

             On 08 January 2002, LTC SANNY GADOT INF (GSC) PA was transferred to HPA and LTC ROMEO A VELASCO 0-112693 (FA) PA his Battalion EX-O assumed the position as Officer-In-Charge, after 23 days LTC VELASCO transferred to H8ID, PA and was replaced on 01 February 2002 by LTC ROMEO L GAPUZ INF (GSC) PA, as Battalion Commander. COL GAPUZ conducted sustained internal security operations in the central portion of Western Samar to neutralize the whole of central part of Samar – 1 (CFS-1), central front Samar – 2 (CFS-2) and SECCOM DIEGO of front committee 1 (F1) which resulted to the recovery of fifteen (15) high power firearms and neutralization and surrender of CTs – thirteen (13) enemy are killed one of whom is Carlito Salingsing @ Terado secretary of SECOM DAWA and CO of LINTI platoon  and captured of enemy encampment and subversive documents with high intelligence value likewise, his principles in civil military operations brought about by well coordinate support to the local government units trough the successful conduct of ten (10) Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) classes with a total of 206 graduates resulting to the unit being adjudged as the second placer “Most Outstanding” national literacy awards in the year 2002, 2003 and 2004. and also the conduct of twenty eight (28) special operation team (SOT) to affected Barangay in CFS1 & F1 to ISO gains Battalion.