8th
Infantry Division cites gain in 2006
By 1Lt. MARIO JOSE M. CHICO, (INF) PA
January
18, 2007
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan, Samar – The year 2006 proved to be another fruitful year
for the army troopers of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
These were the words given by no less than the Commanding General of
the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Maj. Gen. Rodrigo F. Maclang AFP, during the Command Conference he personally presided at
Headquarters, 8th 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th Infantry
Division to a brighter future”.