8th ID honors its exemplary soldiers

By PIA 8 and AHVA EBALDE
August 5, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  On the occasion of its 24th founding anniversary on August 3, 2012, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army presented four various awards to its soldiers for the successful operations in the insurgency areas in the region.

The awarding which was held at Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan City was presided over by 8th ID Commander MajGen Gerardo Layug together with Central Commander Lieutenant General Ralph Villanueva who presented the awards to the soldiers.

The Best Junior Officer of the year with a 5,000 pesos cash award was given to Lieutenant Jorge Panaquiton who led the operating troops of Alpha Company, 87 Infantry Battalion that overrun an NPA camp at outskirts of Barangay Pagsanjan, Paranas, Samar on March 2012. The enemy encampment was being utilized as a bomb-factory by the terrorist group based on the recovered improvised explosive devises.

The Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year with 5,000 pesos cash award was given to Private 1st class Alvin Lapitan who also gained accomplishment in Paranas and Calbiga successful operation.

The Best CAFGU of the year with 5,000 pesos cash award was given to Allan Tulin for the successful operations in Northern Samar.

The 803rd Peace Maker Brigade, who has 4,400 total Combat operations with a 46 engagements and successful operations, received the Most Combat Efficient Infantry Brigade/Infantry Battalion with 15,000 pesos cash award.

Another Most Combat Efficient Infantry Brigade/Infantry Battalion with 15,000 pesos cash award was given to Lieutenant Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr.

The 87th Infantry Hinirang Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Balaoro Jr. is right on track in its Internal Peace and Security Operations for the 1st semester of this year 2012 here in the province. Hinirang Battalion accomplished 1,450 operations and 22 successful Combat Operations.

During the period, significant accomplishments includes seizure of bomb factory in Paranas, Samar and capture of three New People’s Army (NPA) members in Calbiga, Samar.