Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar — The year 2006 proved to be another fruitful year for the army troopers of the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. These were the words given by no less than the Commanding General of the 8^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Maj. Gen. Rodrigo F. Maclang AFP, during the Command Conference he personally presided at Headquarters, 8^th Infantry Division in Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan, Samar on January 9, 2007.

The said conference was attended by all field commanders of the Philippine Army operating in Eastern Visayas under the Command and Control of the 8^th Infantry Division. It was held after the traditional New Year’s Call to the Commanding General held earlier of the day at Camp Lukban Multi-Purpose Hall. 

Maj. Gen. Maclang cited the accomplishments of the 8ID prominent among which are the neutralization of Communist Terrorist Leaders (CTL) Glicerio  Roluna  alias Jay-R, of Southern Leyte CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group; CTL Bebiano Rentillosa alias Sinto, of North Leyte CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group; CTL Nestor Caliwan alias Hanao, former  leader of Mt. Amandewin Extortionist Group;  and the latest was CTL Zacarias Nobes alias Cadoy, leader of Front 1 of CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group in Northern Samar. All of these personalities were operating in the Eastern Visayas under the command of CPP-NPA-NDF headed by the erstwhile priest-turned terrorist, Fr. Santiago Salas.

Likewise, Maj. Gen. Maclang praised the people of Leyte for helping the government in exposing the evil acts perpetrated by the communist terrorist group in the discovery of the Mass Graves in Inopacan, Leyte. He also exhorted the people of Eastern Visayas to be extra vigilant in guarding our democratic freedom and our children from exploitation by these barbaric terrorist preying on the youthful innocence of the children they are targeting for recruitment in armed conflict which is a clear violation of existing international laws on protection of minors. This is evident in the successful rescue efforts undertaken by the army to some six (6) minor combatants being used by the communist terrorist in their extortion and wicked activities.

The year 2006 also showcased the Army’s true and genuine concern to the people of Eastern Visayas as exemplified by the 8ID troopers sincere commitment of serving the people beyond the Call of Duty, when they spearheaded the conduct of Rescue, Relief, and Retrieval efforts together with the different local and international rescue units during the infamous Guinsaugon Mudslide tragedy at St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. The personal sacrifices of our troops during that fateful event earned the admiration and respect of the Filipino people.

            Maj. Gen. Maclang enjoined all Officers and men of the 8^th Infantry Division “to pursue with firm resolve the dynamism you have constantly manifested as we move on to another promising year ahead of us. Let us not rest on our laurels. Let us all work hand in hand in bringing the 8^th Infantry Division to a brighter future”.

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Contact: 1LT MARIO JOSE M CHICO (INF) PA