The Battalion was organized on 01 April 1987 pursuant to General Orders No 120, HPA dated 27 March 1987.  It adopted the unit motto “INNOVATOR” which signifies creativeness, resourcefulness and a unit with new ideas in support to its mission of providing service to God, country and people. 

             The Battalion unit training commenced on 08 May 1987 at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal when the nucleus of assigned Officers and key NCOs reported for duty with LTC NAGAMORA P LOMODAG 0-5930 (FA) PA who was designated as its first Commanding Officer.  While the Battalion was undergoing training, it was tasked in the maintenance of camp security, conduct prophylactic patrols within the periphery of the camp, provided arrival honors and security to visiting VIPs.

             The participation of the Battalion in the counter-insurgency and security operations began on 09 June 1987 when its “A Company (first rifle company organized) was committed to augment “Task Force Kalasag” in a pursuit operation from the municipality of Dolores, Quezon to Luisiana, Laguna during the period 9-17 June 1987.  After that operation, the same company was placed OPCON to 2/2 Infantry Brigade, 2^nd ID, PA and conducted sweeping operation from the municipality of Luisiana (via Kanluran, Kalaungan, Cavinti) to Lucban, all of Laguna.

             The new developments in the 2/3 Infantry Brigade’s AOR necessitate the deployment of additional government forces.  The Battalion (minus Charlie Company) was tasked to move from Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal to North-Eastern Laguna on June 26, 1987 where it established its Headquarters at Barangay Magsaysay, Siniloan, Laguna on 29 June 1987.  From then on, the Battalion conducted offensive operations with only two (2) rifle companies and one (1) Armor platoon as attached unit.

             During the attempted Coup De’ Etat in August 1987, the Battalion (minus) was deployed in Metro Manila to reinforce the government forces by securing the outer perimeter of Camp Aguinaldo against counter-attack by the rebel soldiers.

             The Battalion became fully operational when Charlie Company after completing Scout Ranger Orientation Course in Camp Capinpin, arrived at the Battalion AOR on 05 September 1987.  The AOR then was initially composed of seven (7) Municipalities of Laguna namely; Matibak, Sta . Maria, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Quezon and Barangay Baguio of Infanta Quezon.  On 27 October 1987, the Battalion Hqs was relocated from Bgy Magsaysay to Barangay Mayatba, both of Siniloan municipality.

             On 10 May 1988, the Battalion AOR was expanded and included the municipality of Pagsanjan and Cavinti, both of Laguna province.  The Battalion again transferred its Hqs to Bgy Sulib, Pangil Laguna on 13 November 1988 and was placed OPCON to 202^nd Infantry Brigade.

             The Battalion was visited and inspected by then Secretary of National Defense FIDEL V RAMOS on 26 November 1990 where he was accompanied by COMSOLCOM, Commanding General 2^nd Infantry Division, Senior Military and Police Officers and Provincial and Local Executives.

             On 15 December 1990 the unit received orders to move its Battalion Hqs to Bgy Banaan, Magdalena, Laguna to relieve-in-place 16^th Infantry Battalion, 2^nd ID, PA.  Subsequently, on 04 January 1991, the Battalion established its Command Headquarters at the said location.

             On 01 June 1993, pursuant to General Order No 275, HPA dated 27 March 1993; the 63rd Infantry (INNOVATOR) Battalion was unfilled in simple but emotional ceremonies, after over six (6) years of active status.

              The 63^rd Infantry (INNOVATOR) Battalion was again filled up and place in active status effective 16 April 1998 pursuant to General Orders No 463, HPA dated 15 April 1998 with MAJOR OSCAR P LOPEZ (INF) PA as the Commanding Officer.  The reinvigorated unit was reassigned to the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.  Initially, the unit was complemented by 102 Privates from 7ID, 89 Privates from 8ID and the personnel of the former 801^st Infantry Brigade.  After few weeks, a Division-wide realignment of troops was conducted and personnel from other Battalions under 8ID joined the unit.  On 16 June 1998, the Battalion conducted its pre-deployment training under the 8ID, MTT, in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, with BGEN ANTONIO SANTOS JR, AFP, the General OIC of 8ID, PA as Guest of Honor and Speaker.

             After two (2) weeks of training, an unfortunate incident happened in Bgy Urdaneta, Lavezares, Northern Samar wherein the DTs raided the 1^st PPMG of the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO) resulting to the death of three (3) PNP personnel and the loss of seven (7) HPFAs.

             Immediately thereafter, the 63^rd Infantry Battalion’s pre-deployment training was declared completed and was tasked to conduct pursuit operations to the fleeing DTs.  After a month-long operation, the Battalion was finally given an AOR covering the 1^st District of Northern Samar (except for Mondragon Municipality) and two (2) Districts of Calbayog City with a mission to conduct ISO. The Battalion Headquarters was based in Bgy Urdaneta, Lavezares, Northern Samar while Headquarters of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies are located in Bgy San Juan, San Isidro, Bgy Acereda, Bobon and Bgy Cervantes, Catarman all of Northern Samar, respectively.

             The Battalion performed its mandated task while undertaking other non-traditional roles as necessary in its AOR.  This resulted to the successful recovery of six (6) HPFAs, ten (10) LPFAs, and other enemy paraphernalia during the conduct of intensified combat and strike operations from the last quarter of CY 1998 up to the 3^rd quarter of CY 1999.

             Pursuant to paragraph 1, GO Nr 617, GHQ dated 10 June 1999, MAJ OSCAR P LOPEZ (INF) PA was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

             The delineation of the unit boundaries were effected when Hqs 8ID, PA implemented Campaign Plan “SILANGANG LIWAYWAY- ALFA 99” wherein 802^nd Inf Bde, 8ID, PA extended its AOR and assumed ISO responsibility over the islands of Leyte and Biliran, while 803^rd Inf Bde, 8ID, PA extended its AOR down to Hinabangan, Samar.  On 12 June 1999, the Battalion conducted relief-in-place operations in the areas vacated by 34IB and assumed operational responsibility in the whole City of Calbayog.

             Pursuant to paragraph 1, GO Nr 441, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 06 October 1999, LTC LOPEZ was relieved as Commanding Officer of the unit effective 07 October 1999 and MAJ REX R CINCO (INF) PA took over and assumed command of the Battalion pursuant to paragraph II, GO Nr 441, Hqs 8ID, PA.

             After a month of his incumbency, the Battalion again proved its effectiveness during the successful conduct of raid on the enemy temporary encampment at vicinity Bgy Pasabuena, Victoria, Northern Samar last 22 November 1999 by the strike force of HHSC under 1LT EVAN M BERMUDO (INF) PA wherein two HPFAs including one M203 Grenade Launcher, two fragmentation hand grenades and voluminous subversive documents were recovered.  On 16 March 2000, the unit again showed its courage thereby gaining the upper hand against the enemies when troops of Alpha Coy under 1LT MARIO LITO I RETIRVA (INF) PA successfully raided another enemy temporary encampment at vicinity Bgy Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar that led to the recovery of five high powered firearms (1- M14 and 4 - M16 rifles) and the killing of DTL Chito Esquillo a.k.a. ABAK/TOM, Vice CO of Rudante Urtal Command (RUC) and other four DT members.

             During the heights of the conflict in Mindanao between the MILF, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the AFP, the government has to send more troops to Southern Philippines where the Battalion was one of the contingents of 8ID. 

             On 12 May 2000, the unit received a Warning Order from Headquarters 8ID, PA to move to Southern Philippines within 48 hours.  On 16 May same year, the Battalion moved by land transportation towards the embarkation area at Tacloban City port.  The Battalion together with the 802^nd Infantry Brigade and 52^nd Infantry Battalion of 8ID, PA aboard LST 501, departed Tacloban City on 18 May 2000 and arrived at Iligan City the following day. The battalion consolidated its troops at National Steel Corporation, Iligan City.

             Initially, the Battalion was given an AOR from Bacolod Kalawe down to Bgy Tumarompong, Pualas, Lanao del Sur with primary mission to secure the MSR.  The advance party consisting of the Command Group of the Battalion headed by MAJ CINCO and the Command Group of 802 Brigade under COL NAGAMORA P LOMODAG (FA) PA, moved towards Pualas, Lanao del Sur and established its temporary CP co-located with 58IB, 4ID, PA.  The main force of the Battalion arrived at Pualas, Lanao del Sur and immediately dispatched Alpha Company to Bgy Tumarompong, Pualas and established its temporary CP thereat. While Bravo Company established their temporary CP at Bacolod Kalawe and Charlie Company at Madalum, all of Lanao del Sur respectively.         

             With the 4^th Infantry Division’s delineation of boundaries, the Battalion was ordered to move its troops towards the southern portion of Lake Lanao covering the municipalities of Binidayan, Bayang and Lumbatan to secure the MSR as its primary mission.  With such order, the Battalion Hqs with HHSC established temporary CP at Pob Binidayan while Alpha Company established TCP at vicinity crossing of Lumbatan, Bravo Company at Bgy Palao, Bayang and Charlie Company at Bgy Timbangan, Binidayan, all of Lanao del Sur.

             On 09 June 2000, the whole Battalion was tasked to consolidate at Poblacion Binidayan in preparation for the Brigade-wide combat operations. The Battalion was tasked as the Main Effort with a mission to conduct combat clearing operation over the municipality of Marogong. With this development, the vacated Battalion AOR was taken-over by the elements of Task Force Diamond II, 4ID, PA.  The Brigade-wide operations commenced on 091450 June 2000 and the Battalion moved towards Marogong complex to clear given objectives where MILF satellite camps were situated. Fortunately the Battalion was able to clear the area with no untoward incident.  After capturing all the objectives, the Battalion was ordered by 802^nd Bde to proceed towards Poblacion Marogong to link-up with 52^nd Infantry Battalion, 8ID, PA and 802^nd Bde. The battalion arrived at the designated area on the 11^th day of June 2000 and established temporary CP thereat.  The next day (12 June), the Battalion was ordered to seize Camp Akir-akir, one of the satellite camps of the MILF based in Bgy Gandamatu, Marogong, Lanao del Sur.  The Battalion tasked the Alpha and Bravo Companies to seize and destroy the camp and as a result several war materiels were recovered.

            On 16 June 2000, the Battalion was ordered by the Bde to move to Bgy Bagumbayan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur (another MILF satellite camp) to conduct clearing operation and the Battalion cleared Bgy Bagumbayan with no untoward incident and was able to recover numerous war materiel, communication equipments and accessories.  After four days of operation at said barangay, the Battalion returned to Poblacion Marogong.    

             On 21 June 2000, the Battalion together with the 802^nd Bde left Marogong and moved towards Pualas, Lanao del Sur.  With the instruction emanating from 4ID, the 802^nd Bde and the Battalion was ordered to re-occupy the southern part of Lake Lanao, the stretch from Masiu up to Binidayan.  Finally, the Battalion established its TCP inside Lanao Agricultural College (LAC) campus in Lumbatan while Alpha Company established TCP at Poblacion Binidayan, Bravo Company established TCP on the high ground overlooking the bridge connecting Lumbayanague-Lumbatan road and Charlie Company at Bgy Balaigay, Masiu, all of Lanao del Sur.

             Pursuant to paragraph I, GO Nr 903, GHQ, AFP dated 16 August 2000, MAJ REX R CINCO (INF) PA was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel effective 1 April 2000.

             During the stint in Lanao del Sur, the Battalion endowed with discipline and good performance once again proved its might over the secessionist group by gaining the popular support from the Muslim communities. The rapport established resulted to the neutralization of six MILF strugglers (body count), the recovery of eight high powered firearms (6 – M16 rifles, 1 – 40mm M203 GL, and 1 – Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher with 3 live RPG ammunition) and the surrender of  one hundred forty one MILF fighters with one hundred twenty four assorted HPFAs (1 - Cal .30mm LMG, 1- Cal 7.62mm FAL JET, 1 - Cal .30mm BAR, 32 - Cal 5.56mm M16 rifles, 45 – Carbine rifles, 37 – M1 Garand rifles, 7 – M79 GL), fifteen assorted LPFAs (2 – Cal .45 pistols and 13 – .38 revolvers) and two hand grenades.

             On 16 December 2000, the Battalion was pulled out from Lanao del Sur and moved to Caraga Region to relief-in-place 52IB with area of responsibility covering the 15 municipalities of Surigao del Sur; (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, Tandag, San Miguel, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, Lianga and Barobo) and parts of Agusan del Sur; (San Francisco, Prosperidad, Bayugan and Sibagat).

             After serving for almost a year in Mindanao particularly in Lanao del Sur and Surigao del Sur, the Battalion was pulled out effective 08 March 2001 and returned to Samar Island to beef up maneuvering units of 8ID with half of the Battalion strength together with its equipments and other impediments aboard LST 551 moved first and arrived Catbalogan wharf on 09 March 2001 and was tendered arrival honors and welcome ceremony by Hqs 8ID.  During the activity, the Battalion received the Commanding General’s Streamer Award for the meritorious achievements earned during the Mindanao campaign. 

              The Battalion reassumed its previous AOR which covers the 1^st Congressional District of Northern Samar (except municipality of Mondragon) and the whole City of Calbayog.  After the relief-in-place with 28IB in Surigao del Sur, the second half of the battalion strength aboard C130 plane arrived Calbayog Airport on 19 March 2001.  The Battalion Hqs was established in Bgy Salvacion, San Isidro, Northern Samar and emplaced the line companies to its previous AOR with Alpha Company at Bgy Tinaplacan, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, Bravo Company at Bgy Acereda, Bobon and Charlie Company at Bgy Cervantes, Catarman, both of Northern Samar.  

               After the Battalion was properly positioned in the AOR, LTC REX R CINCO (INF) PA was relieved as Commanding Officer effective 09 April 2001, pursuant to paragraph I, GO Nr 151, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 09 April 2001 to assume other functions of higher responsibility at Hqs 8ID.  Effective same date, MAJ ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF) PA took over and assumed command of the battalion pursuant to Paragraph II, GO Nr 151, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 09 April 2001.   On his three months of incumbency, MAJ ODCHIGUE planned out and formulated a directive to swap Alpha and Charlie Company to its AOR as one of the battalion’s innovations to enhance effectiveness on its mandated tasks.   

               After almost four weeks since the new Commander of the Innovators assumed command, the unit once again took offensive actions in its ISO campaign wherein one (1) M16 was recovered and one (1) DT member was captured and wounded in an encounter at Bgy Pasabuena, Victoria, Northern Samar by the operating troops of HHSC under 1LT RUFINO L DE LEON (INF) PA on 280645 July 2001.

               The unit’s achievements continued when the combined operating troops of HHSC under 1LT DE LEON, Alpha Coy under 2LT MICHAEL B BAUTISTA (INF) PA and one team augmentation from 82^nd RECON Coy, 8ID, PA successfully discovered and destroyed the Northern Front Committee I (NFC I) main camp code named “MERCURY” on 271530 July 2001, that led to the recovery of one (1) Sony colored TV set, one (1) VCD Player (Philips), one (1) Motorola Cell phone, one (1) ICOM all with accessories, one (1) Honda Generator (EM 750), medical and dental paraphernalia, a communist flag, kitchen utensils, food stuffs, electrical wires, office supplies, clothing, and voluminous subversive documents. 

                In the same stint, the unit adhere the implementation of environmental protection and preservation program of the government and intensified the activities focused on CMO, community-oriented activities and psychological operations to alienate the Dissident Terrorist’s from the populace.  In coordination with the Local Government Units and Government Agencies in Northern Samar, the unit conducted Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) that responds to illiteracy problem of the province, the Army Concern on Community Organizing for Rural Development (ACCORD) that led to the organization of cooperatives to community workers dubbed in acronym as: “WORD-SINS” which stands for “Workers Organization for Rural Development - San Isidro, Northern Samar” with complete set of officers organized by this unit as a core body responsible in the promotion of abaca handicraft projects in the municipality of San Isidro, Northern Samar.  On the other hand, coordination with “BASCO” (Barobaybay ALPS Shellcraft Cooperative), a shell craft producer in Brgy Barobaybay, Lavezares, Northern Samar is being maintained as its members were trained and organized by this unit. 

                 Pursuant to paragraph 2, GO Nr 940, GHQ dated 24 August 2001, MAJ ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF) PA was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel effective 01 March 2001 for a splendid and remarkable performance in carrying out the counter-insurgency campaign in the province.

                 On 120620 October 2001, another encounter transpired in Bgy Guindaulan, Rosario, Northern Samar by the operating troops of Bravo Coy under 1LT MERRIL C SUMALINOG (INF) PA wherein one (1) M1 Garand rifle was recovered.

                 Pursuant to paragraph 3, Sec 1, GO Nr 238, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 16 July 2002, LTC ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF) PA was relieved as Commanding Officer of the Innovators effective 19 July 2002 to assume other functions of higher responsibility at Hqs 8ID, PA.  Effective same date, LTC NORBERTO I ALINDAYU INF (GSC) PA took over and assumed command of the battalion pursuant to paragraph 3, Sec 2, GO Nr 238, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 16 July 2002. 

                  A day after as the new commander assumed command, implemented the ISO Campaign of the unit thru its Charlie Company conducting offensive operations at Catubig-Mapanas-Gamay complex intercepted a group of five (5) dissident terrorists at vicinity Mt Boboyaon, Mapanas, Northern Samar headed by a certain Andy Tan Y Lobereta, members of Loreto Ronato Command (LRC) operating in the 2^nd District of Northern Samar.  Confiscated from the group was one (1) .38 revolver with six (6) live ammunitions, thirteen (13) pieces subversive books, assorted medicines and personal belongings.  

                  Month long after, a team composed of two (2) EP from Hqs Svc Coy and nine (9) CAFGUs from Las Navas Detachment encountered with more or less seven (7) DTs and one (1) amazon at vicinity Sitio Cadadaatan, Bgy Lourdes, Las Navas, Northern Samar on 190830 August 2002 that resulted to the recovery of one (1) Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle with two (2) clips of ammunitions, two (2) cal .38 revolvers with seven (7) live ammunitions, three (3) homemade shotguns, subversive documents and wounding of two (2) DT members.

                 Subsequently, three (3) succeeding encounters occurred in September 2002 in three (3) separate places: 1^st encounter happened on the 18^th of September 2002 at vic Bgy Buenasuerte GC 497757, Victoria, NSamar by the troops of Bravo Coy led by TSg Cornelio B Laure (Inf) PA where one (1) CAA was wounded and recovered one (1) .38 revolver, two (2) rds rifle grenande, five (5) back packs and subversive documents.  The 2^nd encounter transpired on the 20^th of September 2002 at vic Bgy San Roque GC 034563, Matuguinao, WSamar by the SULTT Students while on their test mission that resulted to one (1) WIA on the side of the troops (Pvt Mario Noel Urmeneta 833707 (Inf) PA who expired later while on the way for evacuation) and the 3^rd was the encounter at vic Bgy New Balud GC 969574, Silvino Lobos, NSamar on the 24^th of September 2002 by the combined troops from Silvino Lobos Detachment and the SULTT Students led by MSg Ludgardo Salac (Inf) PA where one (1) CT was killed (body count) and the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle and a bandoleer with magazines.

                 With all these accomplishments, the unit continues to undertake its mission by preserving the peace stability in the area of responsibility.  On 26 November 2002, combined troops from HHSvc Coy and some EP and CAAs of Genulgan Detachment under 2LT JULITO B RECTO JR (OS) PA conducted strike operations at vic Sitio Gadgaran, Bgy Canhumadal, Pambujan, NSamar and encountered more or less twenty (20) fully armed CTs that resulted to one (1) killed (body count) on enemy side and the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle bearing SN: 013752, two (2) jungle packs and subversive documents.

                  Unfortunately on 301030 December 2002, 2LT DELFIN REAN B ANTE (INF) PA, Commanding Officer of Alpha Coy this unit, together with three (3) EP and a driver on board a Kennedy Jeep was ambushed by more or less fifty (50) CTs at vicinity GC 783772 Sitio Hibabaogan, Bgy Washington, Catarman, NSamar using landmine and  assorted HPFAs that resulted to two (2) KIA on the government side (Pfc Roberto B Menil Jr 726652 (Inf) PA and Pfc Reginaldo A Serdenia 829141 (Inf) PA), one (1) Kennedy Jeep (burned & totally damaged), the loss of four (4) HPFAs (2- M14 rifles with SNrs: 607088, 1131770 and 2- M16 rifles with SNrs: 207676, 5424567), nineteen (19) magazines for M14 rifle, 9 long and 1 short magazines for M16 rifle (Alloy/plastic), 4 long and 3 short magazines for M16 rifle (Aluminum),  4 rifle grenades, 383 rds ammo for M14 and 470 rds ammo for M16.  Days later, an improvised landmine was discovered and was safely retrieved by the 8EOD Team, 8ID, PA.

                   On 18 January 2003, one (1) section composed of personnel from HHSvc Coy and CAFGUs under CPT RUFINO L DE LEON (INF) PA while conducting strike operation at vic Bgy Sta Fe GC 323654, Catubig, NSamar encountered more or less fifty (50) fully armed CTs that resulted to the discovery of two (2) large enemy encampments and the recovery of 5 magazines for M14 and several rounds of ammo for M14 and 9mm pistol, 5 jungle packs containing CTs personal belongings and subversive documents.

                  Pursuant to paragraph 2, Sec 1, GO Nr 7, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 21 January 2003, LTC NORBERTO I ALINDAYU INF (GSC) PA was relieved as the Commanding officer of the unit effective 25 Jan 2003 to assume other function of higher responsibility at Higher Headquarters.  Effective same date, LTC MANUELITO R USI INF (GSC) PA took over and assumed command of the battalion with same authority as above dated 25 January 2003. 

                  With the implementation of the 8ID’s OPLAN “TRINITY”, in the conclusion that the fight on counter-insurgency is a battle of intellect and of population support, the unit enhanced its intelligence, combat and civil-military operations to adjust the prevailing situations. 

                  From 25 January 2003 to 20 May 2004, among the accomplishments of the unit through the Triad concept of operations, resulted to eight (8) encounters and one (1) raid that led to one (1) CT mbr killed (body count), wounding/captured of one (1) suspected CT member; the capture of CTL Zosimo CARANOG @ TATOT/TONY, six (6) CT mbrs and two (2) wanted criminals (both gang leaders) and apprehension of three (3) disreputable civilians.  Also the recovery of one (1) 9mm ingram machine pistol SN: 548060 with one (1) magazine and 10 rds ammo, one (1) 22 rifle, five (5) .38 revolvers, one cal .22 magnum rev, thirteen (13) homemade shotguns (bardog), one (1) landmine, one (1) improvised claymore mine, two (2) hand grenades, magazines for M14 and M16 rifles, assorted ammunitions, kitchen utensils, medical paraphernalia, CTS personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents.  The confiscation of eight (8) cal .45 pistols, one (1) .38 revolver, one (1) generator & one (1) chainsaw; the surrender of one (1) .357 rev, one (1) Garand single shot rifle (homemade) and the discovery of thirty one (31) enemy temporary encampments/safehouses.   Additionally, twenty two (22) communist terrorist members/supporters/sympathizers from the different Bgys of Las Navas, Laoang, and Pambujan, all of Northern Samar surrendered to this unit through RSOT operations, massive info drives, symposiums and film showings.  Among these surrenderors, two (2) of them yielded their firearms namely: Samuel Mora y Adarayan @ JEFFREY, with one (1) M16 rifle bearing SN: 4910864, one (1) long magazine with 17 rds of ammo and Gerardo C Cerino alias “GERRY” with one (1) M16 rifle defaced serial number, one (1) long magazine with 12 rds of ammunitions.

              With these achievements, the unit was adjudged as the Best Battalion of the Year (2003) on 06 August 2003 for its outstanding performance of assigned mission in its area of responsibility in pursuance of the Internal Security Operations of the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.   

                   The unit’s sustained conduct of symposiums/information drives performed a vital role in imparting public awareness about our enemy. The CTs atrocities and the deception they employed to win the support of the local populace are given major emphasis during the delivery of these information drives.  It is the primary factor that led to the decline of public support to their cause.  The effect of our effort proves that in 2004 election, the combined votes of BAYAN MUNA, GABRIELA and ANAK PAWIS (Province-wide) totaled to only 19,467, a significant drop compared in 2001 election by which BAYAN MUNA garnered a total of 39,352 votes.

                    The launching of incessant combat operations played an important role in the gradual turnaround of insurgency.  From 21 May 2004 to 06 May 2005, the unit’s offensive actions against the enemy resulted to four (4) encounters that led to the recovery of one (1) M635P Baby Armalite Rifle SN: 1675844, two (2) 9mm pistols, two (2) cal .357 revolvers, one (1) .22 revolver  and the confiscation of one (1) cal .45 pistol, one (1) cal .38 revolver and two (2) HMSGs from the suspected CT supporters/collectors and wanted criminal; the capture of three (3) CT members; the surrender of two (2) CT members and the discovery of thirteen (13) temporary enemy encampments.

                    Noteworthy during this period was the raid conducted by our troops of Alpha Company OPCON to 34IB under 2LT RICHARD D KADIL (INF) PA augmented by four (4) personnel from HSC at a safehouse of suspected members of SPARU Unit operating in Calbayog City on 220200 April 2005 that resulted to the capture of two (2) suspected SPARU members and the recovery one (1) M16 rifle with defaced serial number with one (1) magazine and live ammunitions, one (1) cal .22 rifle SN: 45938 with 4 rds of ammo, one (1) cal .45 pistol SN: 7849537 with six (6) magazines and 42 rds of live ammo, one Cal .357 revolver SN: 95284 with 6 rds of live ammo and one (1) binocular. 

                     As the Battalion looks forward to the succeeding years, it will continue performing its traditional and non-traditional roles to neutralize all threats to the nation’s sovereignty and eventually create an environment conducive for development.  And it shall live by its theme of: “Strengthening Ties with the Populace towards a stronger Republic”.

                     The Battalion would not have reached its rightful place without the dedicated and sterling leadership of the Officers and men who provided the vision and steered the unit to a pedestal of success towards the accomplishment of its mission and will carry on to do its best in the service of our people and country.