8th ID honors its exemplary soldiers

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Sunday 5th of August 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 5 (PIA) -- 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 presided by Major General Gerardo Layug, 8th ID commander together with Lieutenant General Ralph Villanueva, central commander, who presented the awards.

The Best Junior Officer of the year with a P5,000 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 group based on the recovered improvised explosive devises.

The Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year with P5,000 cash award was given to Private 1st class Alvin Lapitan whose accomplishment was the Paranas and Calbiga successful operation.

The Best Cafgu of the year with P5,000 cash award was given to Allan Tulin for the successful operations in Northern Samar.

The 803rd Peace Maker Brigade, which had 4,400 combat operations received the Most Combat Efficient Infantry Brigade/Infantry Battalion with 46 engagements and successful operations, got P15,000 cash award.

Another Most Combat Efficient Inf bde/Inf Bn with P15,000 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 including the seizure of a bomb factory in Paranas, Samar and capture of three New People’s Army (NPA) members in Calbiga, Samar. (PIA-8 with Ahva Ebalde)