Saturday, April 20, 2024

Tag: 8th Infantry Battalion

Samaron nga NPA nasikop sa Quezon

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Nasikop sa militar ang isa ka samaron nga myembro sa New People’s Army (NPA) human gibiyaan sa iyang mga kauban sa Sitio Mahayahay, Brgy. Linabo, Quezon, Bukidnon kaniadtong Disyembre 30, 2023

Sumala sa kasayoran, ang rebelled nasikop sa mga myembro sa 48th Infantry Battalion sa 1003rd Infantry Brigade nga naglihok sa dapit.

Ang nasikop nailang si Alyas Martin/Ligaw, myembro sa Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRSDG Peddler, NCMRC) sa Communist Terrorist Group.

Si Alias Martin nakaangkon sa samad pinusilan sa walang tiil ug tuong hita hinungdan gibiyaan siya sa iyang mga kauban sa battlefield sa panagsangka batok militar niadtong Disyembre 27, 2023.

Ang militar mihatag og first aid sa sinikop ug pagkahuman gidala nila kini sa hospital sa Munisipyo sa Quezon.

Nakig-alayon sab ang militar sa Local Government Unit sa Quezon alang sa medical support kay alyas Martin. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

7 NPA fatalities in Bukidnon encounter identified

Posted on by cmn

ILIGAN CITY (Dec. 28, 2023) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has identified seven out of the ten New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day

Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatalities as Beverly Sinunta, alias “Ayang,” secretary of Sub-regional Committee 2, Northern

Central Mindanao Regional Committee, her husband, Alfredo Banawan, alias “Alab,” deputy secretary, their daughter, Chen-chen Banawan, alias “Pao” and “Chin-Chin,” residents of Sitio Trukat, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon; Penita Singaman, alias “Pening,” of Purok 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; Bebot L. Solinay alias “Ligid,” of Sitio Kadagsangan, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurelio Gonsalez, alias “Alvin,” of Zone 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, and a certain “Louie” from Agusan.

The fatalities were members of the Sub-regional Committee 2, Headquarters Loader, and Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Bacus is closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three remaining bodies.

Soldiers extricated the bodies on December 26 in Sitio Kieto, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, and were taken to Villanueva Funeral Homes in Malaybalay City.

The seven NPA fatalities were identified based on previous data profile, family members, and their former comrades.

The 8th IB informed the families of the fatalities and coordinated with the police and the local government unit for the proper disposition and turnover of the remains.

Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the identification of the slain communist rebels highlights the sad truth about the membership in the NPA, particularly those holding top leadership, treated it as a family business and took undue advantage to recruit own members of their family to wield power for monetary gains and intentions.

“It is disheartening to discover how the CNT leaders resorted to promoting their own vested interest and agenda using familial connections as means to sustain their business while the lower members are suffering from hunger and fatigue due to our relentless military operations,” Cuerpo said.

He said this exploitation proves that they are irrational criminals who will do everything to maintain their operations, even sacrificing family members.

“Nonetheless, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, after all, they are still Filipinos who became victims of the CTG deception and treachery. Their death is a tragic outcome that reflects the continued challenge we face in maintaining peace and security in our
AOR,” Cuerpo said.

“Moreover, rest assured that the 4th ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” Cuerpo added. (Bonita Ermac/Manila Bulletin)

Students from 23 schools in Bukidnon receive bags, school supplies

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Selected students from 23 schools in the landlocked province of Bukidnon were recently given backpacks and school supplies

The 403rd Brigade in a press release said that the program was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Davao Satellite Office through its special project called PagbaBAGo program.

Peoples’ Organizations (POs) and schoolchildren are the program’s intended beneficiaries.

A series of activities were held in conjunction with the planting of 2,000 Narra trees in Brgy. Kalasungay on November 8, 2023, which was followed by the distribution of backpacks containing school supplies to Bukidnon’s identified underprivileged schoolchildren from November 8-10, 2023.

A total of 4,019 school bags were provided to students from various schools in Malaybalay City (2,890 beneficiaries), Impasugong (973 beneficiaries), and Cabanglasan (156 beneficiaries).

Furthermore, the aforementioned operations were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Governor, the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Bukas Kalinaw, 8th Infantry Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 16th Infantry Battalion under 402nd Infantry Brigade.

Ms. Regina Rose D. Tecson, the OVP Officer-in-Charge of the Davao-based satellite office noted that the Tree planting and distribution of bags are the flagship program of Vice President Sara Duterte that are shown to be beneficial to the community even during her term as Mayor of Davao City.

The OVP is optimistic that the bag distribution will encourage pupils to work hard despite their poverty and to harvest what they sow in the future.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Michele B Anayron Jr, commander of the 403rd Brigade, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for selecting Bukidnon, primarily in the Area of Responsibility of the 403rd Brigade, to be the beneficiary of the PagbaBAGo program.

“We in the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders and government agencies will continue to support in extending social services to the community for the sustainable peace and development effort in order to finally end the insurgency”, Anayron said. (melbmadera)

Army, Bukas Kalinaw supports OVP in free health services

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) Davao Satellite commemorates its 88th founding anniversary with a medical, surgical, and dental mission in the city’s hinterland village

According to a statement issued by the 403rd Brigade, around 300 people of Brgy. Kibalabag has given the free services held at its Brgy. Covered Court on November 11, 2023.

The activities were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Governor, the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Bukas Kalinaw, the Davao City Medical and Dental Team, the City Health Office of Valencia City, Adventist Medical Center Valencia City, 3rd FSMP, 1364 Dental, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH), the 4th Infantry Division, the 8th Infantry Battalion, and the Kibalabag Barangay Council.

This coordinated effort is the product of a community immersion program organized by the Bukas Kalinaw, a Bukidnon-based non-profit organization. The program’s purpose was to assess the citizens’ health and socioeconomic position.

To that end, a volunteer team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses provided free high-quality medical care, surgery, and dental services, including medical consultations, circumcision, wart removal, cyst removal, dental checkups, and tooth extractions, as well as free medication and medical advice to those who could not afford private hospital care.

This program was inspired by the notion that access to high-quality healthcare is a basic human right.

Captain Anafe I. Paypa, the CMO Officer of 403rd Brigade expressed her gratitude to the residents of Brgy. Kibalabag for the support and warm accommodation.

She hopes that people will recognize the government’s efforts to reach out to remote areas so they can receive services and programs and that they won’t be misled by the CPP-NPA’s propaganda suggesting that the government ignores the needs of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas like Kibalabag.

Moreover, Ms. Regina Rosa D. Tecson, OVP Officer-in-Charge of the Davao-based satellite office conveyed the intent of Vice President Sara Duterte in its programs that is anchored on its core purpose is “Lahat para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino”.

The Tree planting and distribution of bags are the flagship programs of VP Inday Sara that has proven to be beneficial to the communities even during her administration as Mayor.

On the other hand, this medical, surgical, and dental mission is their way of giving back to the communities in celebration of its 88th Founding Anniversary and will definitely bridge the gap between the people in need and medical communities. This is the way the government extends services and reaches out to the communities to ensure that they can access the program of the government.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr, commander of 403 Brigade expressed his gratitude for choosing Bukidnon mostly in the Area of Responsibility of the 403rd Brigade to be the beneficiary of the PagbaBAGo program of the Vice President along with the medical, surgical and dental mission.

Together with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders, the Philippine Army

According to BGEN AnayRON, government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end to the insurgency.

“We in the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders and

government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end the insurgency”, BGen. Anayron said.

The mission of the OVP Davao Satellite Office is to support and supplement President Ferdinand

Marcos, Jr. in cascading and executing initiatives by making himself available to individuals in need. (melbmadera)

NPA commander killed in Bukidnon clash

Posted on by cmn

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Christopher Tingkayan, 23, was killed in a fierce gunfight with troops from the 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion operating under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army

According to reports, he [Tingkayan] was a high-ranking leader of the New People Army’s Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force NEO.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion based in Impasugong, Bukidnon, said the government forces launched focused military operations following a civilian report indicating Tingkayan’s frequent supply runs into NPA territories.

He said Christopher Tingkayan, also known as Mojen/Gamot, was killed in a 10-minute firefight with the 8IB soldiers on August 23.

All soldiers were unhurt, the Battalion Commander said.

Jimboy Tingkayan alias Jovan, the slain NPA commander’s half-brother who recently surrendered, identified the body at the scene of the early morning clash in a rugged forest of Lagaslasan subvillage in Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Reports indicated that “Mojen” was with 10 fellow rebels when the firefight erupted, but his comrades fled during the encounter.

“The troopers confiscated a total of two M16 Rifles, two M653 Carbine Rifles, two M203 Grenade Launchers, an anti-personnel mine, along with various terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

He pointed out that Mojen’s group had once been considered the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro De Gravidad of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (RSDG-NCMRC), highlighting the significance of the operation’s success in dismantling this faction.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, emphasized that the communist terrorist groups’ (CTG) presence in the area is an indication that the dwindling criminal group is on a desperate move to recruit and extort resources from the people and continue their income generation scheme, especially with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections drawing near.

“It is unfortunate that the CTGs continue to sacrifice the lives of its members to pursue their criminal agenda. Once again, we are saddened by the loss of fellow Filipinos’ lives. We want the people of Bukidnon to know that their Army will not permit criminals to threaten communities and extort their hard-earned money. We are committed to maintaining peace and security in the area,” added BGen. Anayron Jr.

Notably, in the third quarter of this year alone, 4ID troops have neutralized 21 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs). Among them, five were killed in encounters, and 16 voluntarily surrendered. The troops also apprehended 36 high-powered firearms and five low-powered firearms. Noteworthy in this achievement was the elimination of the CTG’s top leader, Dionesio “Muling” Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC. This incident occurred during an encounter with 4ID troops on July 26, 2023.

In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, commended the swift response of the troops from the 8IB and 403rd Brigade in promptly securing the Malaybalay area against planned CTG atrocities.

He emphasized that the loss of another CNT member serves as a reminder of the unfortunate consequences of opposing our government.

While highlighting 4ID’s accomplishments as a testament to the people’s unwavering support and the sustained collaboration among various agencies under the whole-of-nation approach, the 4ID Commander underscored that this strategy serves as the game-changer in ultimately resolving the country’s insurgency problem. (CMO, 8IB/403Bde/4ID, PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

3 NPA rebels surrender, yield 12 firearms in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

Three New People’s Army (NPA) members have yielded their guns and surrendered to the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon, the military reported

The rebels, identified as Jimboy Tingkayan of the Ordnance (Copper), ROC, NCMRC; Michael Donggo of Sqd SO, Sqd 3, RSDG Compaq, NCMRC; and Mansalodong Lan-awan of SSGU, SRC 2, NCMRC, surrendered to the troops on August 8, 2023.

According to the report, the said rebels chose to surrender due to exhaustion, hunger, and demoralization brought about by the relentless operations of the military and the lack of support from the civilians.

When he surrendered, Tingkayan revealed the different locations of arms caches in the hinterlands of Pantaron Range and Saldab Complex.

The military was able to capture four AK47 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, two M203 grenade launchers, and one carbine rifle.

Donggo, who is a regular communist terrorist group (CTG) member, and Mansalodong Lan-awan, a Milisyang Bayan member, also surrendered one carbine rifle, one KG9 sub-machine gun, and one .38 caliber revolver,

“We highly appreciate the full cooperation and concern of the local populace, especially the barangay officials who led their communities in moving towards the path of peace. Their support led to the series of encounters as well as the previous successful operations in Saldab Complex,” 403rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr. said.

“We will not stop until we totally defeat the CTG. As to the CNT (Communist Pary of the Philippines-NPA terrorists) surrenderers, we welcome you back to the folds of the law, back to your families, and to the new chapter of your lives, free from the disillusionment brought to you by the CTG,” he added. (Sunstar)

Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Military and police officials handed over the remains of the slain top communist rebel leader, Dionisio Micabalo, to his family last July 29, 2023, in a small courtyard outside a funeral parlor in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the cadaver of Micabalo, alias “Muling,” was turned over to his siblings, Ronelo and Fely, who came to Gingoog City, along with officials from Dangcagan municipality in Bukidnon, to fetch his corpse.

Orio said the 61-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader hailed from Dangcagan town, and his family wanted him to be buried there.

“There was no hassle. As soon as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and my soldiers ascertained their identities, his remains were turned over to the family,” Orio said.

Micabalo, who was secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed during a brief firefight with soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, last July 27.

Colonel Christian Uy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said they have been tracking the movements of Micabalo after he transferred to Gingoog City from Mt. Pantaron range in Bukidnon, where the latter was previously based.

Orio said that with Micabalo gone, a young rebel leader named “Kumander Rida,” a former student from Cagayan de Oro City is expected to become the next secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He asked Congress for support on this matter.

But Marco Valbuena, Communist Party of the Philippines information officer, rejected the offer of Marcos, calling it “a treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Army confers gold award to Bukidnon-based 8IB

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) has conferred the “Gold Trailblazer Award” to the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Bukidnon in this year’s Army Government Pathway (AGP) program

In a statement on June 27, 2023, the 8IB said it received the highest distinction given to an Army unit, with a rate of 96.4 percent.
Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, the 8IB commander, said the award indicates the battalion’s commitment to aligning with the PA’s vision of a “world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable Army by 2040.”
“Our efforts must be directed to sustain our gains and let us continue to be steadfast in our quest for genuine reforms,” Bacus added.
AGP helps organizations execute their transformation initiatives to yield breakthrough results. It has four stages – Initiated, Compliant, Proficient, and Institutionalized – in which Army units nationwide are rated internally, according to 8IB.
The award also indicates that 8IB has shown “exemplary progress” in governance and strategy management in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap, it added.
The 8IB’s latest field accomplishments included dismantling the communist New People’s Army group earlier this month in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
An encounter that erupted led to the death of a rebel fighter and the seizure of rebel firearms and other materials. (Nef Luczon/PNA)