The Battalion was organized on 01 April 1987
pursuant to General Orders No 120, HPA dated 27 March
1987. It
adopted the unit motto “INNOVATOR” which signifies
creativeness, resourcefulness and a unit with new ideas
in support to its mission of providing service to God,
country and people.
The Battalion unit training commenced on 08 May
1987 at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal when the nucleus of
assigned Officers and key NCOs reported for duty with
LTC NAGAMORA P LOMODAG 0-5930 (FA) PA who was designated
as its first Commanding Officer.
While the Battalion was undergoing training, it
was tasked in the maintenance of camp security, conduct
prophylactic patrols within the periphery of the camp,
provided arrival honors and security to visiting VIPs.
The participation of the Battalion in the
counter-insurgency and security operations began on 09
June 1987 when its “A Company (first rifle company
organized) was committed to augment “Task Force
Kalasag” in a pursuit operation from the municipality
of Dolores, Quezon to Luisiana, Laguna during the period
9-17 June 1987. After that operation, the same company was placed OPCON to
2/2 Infantry Brigade, 2nd ID, PA and
conducted sweeping operation from the municipality of
Luisiana (via Kanluran, Kalaungan, Cavinti) to Lucban,
all of Laguna.
The new developments in the 2/3 Infantry
Brigade’s AOR necessitate the deployment of additional
government forces.
The Battalion (minus Charlie Company) was tasked
to move from Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal to
North-Eastern Laguna on June 26, 1987 where it
established its Headquarters at Barangay Magsaysay,
Siniloan, Laguna on 29 June 1987.
From then on, the Battalion conducted offensive
operations with only two (2) rifle companies and one (1)
Armor platoon as attached unit.
During
the attempted Coup De’ Etat in August 1987, the
Battalion (minus) was deployed in Metro Manila to
reinforce the government forces by securing the outer
perimeter of Camp Aguinaldo against counter-attack by
the rebel soldiers.
The Battalion became fully operational when
Charlie Company after completing Scout Ranger
Orientation Course in Camp Capinpin, arrived at the
Battalion AOR on 05 September 1987.
The AOR then was initially composed of seven (7)
Municipalities of Laguna namely; Matibak, Sta . Maria,
Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Quezon and Barangay Baguio of
Infanta Quezon. On
27 October 1987, the Battalion Hqs was relocated from
Bgy Magsaysay to Barangay Mayatba, both of Siniloan
municipality.
On 10 May 1988, the Battalion AOR was expanded
and included the municipality of Pagsanjan and Cavinti,
both of Laguna province.
The Battalion again transferred its Hqs to Bgy
Sulib, Pangil Laguna on 13 November 1988 and was placed
OPCON to 202nd Infantry Brigade.
The Battalion was visited and inspected by then
Secretary of National Defense FIDEL V RAMOS on 26
November 1990 where he was accompanied by COMSOLCOM,
Commanding General 2nd Infantry Division,
Senior Military and Police Officers and Provincial and
Local Executives.
On 15 December 1990 the unit received orders to
move its Battalion Hqs to Bgy Banaan, Magdalena, Laguna
to relieve-in-place 16th Infantry Battalion,
2nd ID, PA.
Subsequently, on 04 January 1991, the Battalion
established its Command Headquarters at the said
location.
On 01 June 1993, pursuant to General Order No
275, HPA dated 27 March 1993; the 63rd Infantry
(INNOVATOR) Battalion was unfilled in simple but
emotional ceremonies, after over six (6) years of active
status.
The
63rd Infantry (INNOVATOR) Battalion was again
filled up and place in active status effective 16 April
1998 pursuant to General Orders No 463, HPA dated 15
April 1998 with MAJOR OSCAR P LOPEZ (INF) PA as the
Commanding Officer.
The reinvigorated unit was reassigned to the 8th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Initially, the unit was complemented by 102
Privates from 7ID, 89 Privates from 8ID and the
personnel of the former 801st Infantry
Brigade. After few weeks, a Division-wide realignment of troops was
conducted and personnel from other Battalions under 8ID
joined the unit. On
16 June 1998, the Battalion conducted its pre-deployment
training under the 8ID, MTT, in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman,
Northern Samar, with BGEN ANTONIO SANTOS JR, AFP, the
General OIC of 8ID, PA as Guest of Honor and Speaker.
After two (2) weeks of training, an unfortunate
incident happened in Bgy Urdaneta, Lavezares, Northern
Samar wherein the DTs raided the 1st PPMG of
the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO)
resulting to the death of three (3) PNP personnel and
the loss of seven (7) HPFAs.
Immediately thereafter, the 63rd
Infantry Battalion’s pre-deployment training was
declared completed and was tasked to conduct pursuit
operations to the fleeing DTs.
After a month-long operation, the Battalion was
finally given an AOR covering the 1st
District of Northern Samar (except for Mondragon
Municipality) and two (2) Districts of Calbayog City
with a mission to conduct ISO. The Battalion
Headquarters was based in Bgy Urdaneta, Lavezares,
Northern Samar while Headquarters of Alpha, Bravo and
Charlie Companies are located in Bgy San Juan, San
Isidro, Bgy Acereda, Bobon and Bgy Cervantes, Catarman
all of Northern Samar, respectively.
The Battalion performed its mandated task while
undertaking other non-traditional roles as necessary in
its AOR. This
resulted to the successful recovery of six (6) HPFAs,
ten (10) LPFAs, and other enemy paraphernalia during the
conduct of intensified combat and strike operations from
the last quarter of CY 1998 up to the 3rd
quarter of CY 1999.
Pursuant to paragraph 1, GO Nr 617, GHQ dated 10
June 1999, MAJ OSCAR P LOPEZ (INF) PA was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel.
The delineation of the unit boundaries were
effected when Hqs 8ID, PA implemented Campaign Plan
“SILANGANG LIWAYWAY- ALFA 99” wherein 802nd
Inf Bde, 8ID, PA extended its AOR and assumed ISO
responsibility over the islands of Leyte and Biliran,
while 803rd Inf Bde, 8ID, PA extended its AOR
down to Hinabangan, Samar.
On 12 June 1999, the Battalion conducted
relief-in-place operations in the areas vacated by 34IB
and assumed operational responsibility in the whole City
of Calbayog.
Pursuant to paragraph 1, GO Nr 441, Hqs 8ID, PA
dated 06 October 1999, LTC LOPEZ was relieved as
Commanding Officer of the unit effective 07 October 1999
and MAJ REX R CINCO (INF) PA took over and assumed
command of the Battalion pursuant to paragraph II, GO Nr
441, Hqs 8ID, PA.
After a month of his incumbency, the Battalion
again proved its effectiveness during the successful
conduct of raid on the enemy temporary encampment at
vicinity Bgy Pasabuena, Victoria, Northern Samar last 22
November 1999 by the strike force of HHSC under 1LT EVAN
M BERMUDO (INF) PA wherein two HPFAs including one M203
Grenade Launcher, two fragmentation hand grenades and
voluminous subversive documents were recovered.
On 16 March 2000, the unit again showed its
courage thereby gaining the upper hand against the
enemies when troops of Alpha Coy under 1LT MARIO LITO I
RETIRVA (INF) PA successfully raided another enemy
temporary encampment at vicinity Bgy Happy Valley, San
Isidro, Northern Samar that led to the recovery of five
high powered firearms (1- M14 and 4 - M16 rifles) and
the killing of DTL Chito Esquillo a.k.a. ABAK/TOM, Vice
CO of Rudante Urtal Command (RUC) and other four DT
members.
During the heights of the conflict in Mindanao
between the MILF, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the AFP,
the government has to send more troops to Southern
Philippines where the Battalion was one of the
contingents of 8ID.
On 12 May 2000, the unit received a Warning Order from
Headquarters 8ID, PA to move to Southern Philippines
within 48 hours. On
16 May same year, the Battalion moved by land
transportation towards the embarkation area at Tacloban
City port. The
Battalion together with the 802nd Infantry
Brigade and 52nd Infantry Battalion of 8ID,
PA aboard LST 501, departed Tacloban City on 18 May 2000
and arrived at Iligan City the following day. The
battalion consolidated its troops at National Steel
Corporation, Iligan City.
Initially, the Battalion was given an AOR from Bacolod
Kalawe down to Bgy Tumarompong, Pualas, Lanao del Sur
with primary mission to secure the MSR.
The advance party consisting of the Command Group
of the Battalion headed by MAJ CINCO and the Command
Group of 802 Brigade under COL NAGAMORA P LOMODAG (FA)
PA, moved towards Pualas, Lanao del Sur and established
its temporary CP co-located with 58IB, 4ID, PA.
The main force of the Battalion arrived at Pualas,
Lanao del Sur and immediately dispatched Alpha Company
to Bgy Tumarompong, Pualas and established its temporary
CP thereat. While Bravo Company established their
temporary CP at Bacolod Kalawe and Charlie Company at
Madalum, all of Lanao del Sur respectively.
With the 4th Infantry Division’s
delineation of boundaries, the Battalion was ordered to
move its troops towards the southern portion of Lake
Lanao covering the municipalities of Binidayan, Bayang
and Lumbatan to secure the MSR as its primary mission.
With such order, the Battalion Hqs with HHSC
established temporary CP at Pob Binidayan while Alpha
Company established TCP at vicinity crossing of Lumbatan,
Bravo Company at Bgy Palao, Bayang and Charlie Company
at Bgy Timbangan, Binidayan, all of Lanao del Sur.
On 09 June 2000, the whole Battalion was tasked
to consolidate at Poblacion Binidayan in preparation for
the Brigade-wide combat operations. The Battalion was
tasked as the Main Effort with a mission to conduct
combat clearing operation over the municipality of
Marogong. With this development, the vacated Battalion
AOR was taken-over by the elements of Task Force Diamond
II, 4ID, PA. The Brigade-wide operations commenced on 091450 June 2000 and
the Battalion moved towards Marogong complex to clear
given objectives where MILF satellite camps were
situated. Fortunately the Battalion was able to clear
the area with no untoward incident.
After capturing all the objectives, the Battalion
was ordered by 802nd Bde to proceed towards
Poblacion Marogong to link-up with 52nd
Infantry Battalion, 8ID, PA and 802nd Bde.
The battalion arrived at the designated area on the 11th
day of June 2000 and established temporary CP
thereat. The
next day (12 June), the Battalion was ordered to
seize Camp Akir-akir, one of the satellite camps of the
MILF based in Bgy Gandamatu, Marogong, Lanao del Sur.
The Battalion tasked the Alpha and Bravo
Companies to seize and destroy the camp and as a result
several war materiels were recovered.
On 16 June 2000, the Battalion was ordered by the
Bde to move to Bgy Bagumbayan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur (another
MILF satellite camp) to conduct clearing operation
and the Battalion cleared Bgy Bagumbayan with no
untoward incident and was able to recover numerous war
materiel, communication equipments and accessories.
After four days of operation at said barangay,
the Battalion returned to Poblacion Marogong.
On 21 June 2000, the Battalion together with the
802nd Bde left Marogong and moved towards
Pualas, Lanao del Sur.
With the instruction emanating from 4ID, the 802nd
Bde and the Battalion was ordered to re-occupy the
southern part of Lake Lanao, the stretch from Masiu up
to Binidayan. Finally,
the Battalion established its TCP inside Lanao
Agricultural College (LAC) campus in Lumbatan while
Alpha Company established TCP at Poblacion Binidayan,
Bravo Company established TCP on the high ground
overlooking the bridge connecting Lumbayanague-Lumbatan
road and Charlie Company at Bgy Balaigay, Masiu, all of
Lanao del Sur.
Pursuant to paragraph I, GO Nr 903, GHQ, AFP
dated 16 August 2000, MAJ REX R CINCO (INF) PA was
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel effective 1 April 2000.
During the stint in Lanao del Sur, the Battalion
endowed with discipline and good performance once again
proved its might over the secessionist group by gaining
the popular support from the Muslim communities. The
rapport established resulted to the neutralization of
six MILF strugglers (body count), the recovery of
eight high powered firearms (6 – M16 rifles, 1 –
40mm M203 GL, and 1 – Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)
launcher with 3 live RPG ammunition) and the
surrender of one
hundred forty one MILF fighters with one hundred twenty
four assorted HPFAs (1 - Cal .30mm LMG, 1- Cal 7.62mm
FAL JET, 1 - Cal .30mm BAR, 32 - Cal 5.56mm M16 rifles,
45 – Carbine rifles, 37 – M1 Garand rifles, 7 –
M79 GL), fifteen assorted LPFAs (2 – Cal .45
pistols and 13 – .38 revolvers) and two hand
grenades.
On 16 December 2000, the Battalion was pulled out
from Lanao del Sur and moved to Caraga Region to
relief-in-place 52IB with area of responsibility
covering the 15 municipalities of Surigao del Sur; (Carrascal,
Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, Tandag, San
Miguel, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin,
Lianga and Barobo) and parts of Agusan del Sur; (San
Francisco, Prosperidad, Bayugan and Sibagat).
After serving for almost a year in Mindanao
particularly in Lanao del Sur and Surigao del Sur, the
Battalion was pulled out effective 08 March 2001 and
returned to Samar Island to beef up maneuvering units of
8ID with half of the Battalion strength together with
its equipments and other impediments aboard LST 551
moved first and arrived Catbalogan wharf on 09 March
2001 and was tendered arrival honors and welcome
ceremony by Hqs 8ID.
During the activity, the Battalion received the
Commanding General’s Streamer Award for the
meritorious achievements earned during the Mindanao
campaign.
The Battalion reassumed its previous AOR which covers
the 1st Congressional District of Northern
Samar (except municipality of Mondragon) and the
whole City of Calbayog.
After the relief-in-place with 28IB in Surigao
del Sur, the second half of the battalion strength
aboard C130 plane arrived Calbayog Airport on 19 March
2001. The
Battalion Hqs was established in Bgy Salvacion, San
Isidro, Northern Samar and emplaced the line companies
to its previous AOR with Alpha Company at Bgy Tinaplacan,
Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, Bravo Company at Bgy
Acereda, Bobon and Charlie Company at Bgy Cervantes,
Catarman, both of Northern Samar.
After the Battalion was properly positioned in the AOR,
LTC REX R CINCO (INF) PA was relieved as Commanding
Officer effective 09 April 2001, pursuant to paragraph
I, GO Nr 151, Hqs 8ID, PA dated 09 April 2001 to assume
other functions of higher responsibility at Hqs 8ID.
Effective same date, MAJ ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF)
PA took over and assumed command of the battalion
pursuant to Paragraph II, GO Nr 151, Hqs 8ID, PA dated
09 April 2001. On his three months of incumbency, MAJ ODCHIGUE planned
out and formulated a directive to swap Alpha and Charlie
Company to its AOR as one of the battalion’s
innovations to enhance effectiveness on its mandated
tasks.
After almost four weeks since the new Commander
of the Innovators assumed command, the unit once again
took offensive actions in its ISO campaign wherein one
(1) M16 was recovered and one (1) DT member was captured
and wounded in an encounter at Bgy Pasabuena, Victoria,
Northern Samar by the operating troops of HHSC under 1LT
RUFINO L DE LEON (INF) PA on 280645 July 2001.
The unit’s achievements continued when the combined
operating troops of HHSC under 1LT DE LEON, Alpha Coy
under 2LT MICHAEL B BAUTISTA (INF) PA and one team
augmentation from 82nd RECON Coy, 8ID, PA
successfully discovered and destroyed the Northern Front
Committee I (NFC I) main camp code named “MERCURY”
on 271530 July 2001, that led to the recovery of one
(1) Sony colored TV set, one
(1) VCD Player (Philips), one (1) Motorola Cell
phone, one (1) ICOM all with accessories, one (1) Honda
Generator (EM 750), medical and dental paraphernalia, a
communist flag, kitchen utensils, food stuffs,
electrical wires, office supplies, clothing, and
voluminous subversive documents.
In the same stint, the unit adhere the implementation of
environmental protection and preservation program of the
government and intensified the activities focused on CMO,
community-oriented activities and psychological
operations to alienate the Dissident Terrorist’s from
the populace. In
coordination with the Local Government Units and
Government Agencies in Northern Samar, the unit
conducted Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) that
responds to illiteracy problem of the province, the Army
Concern on Community Organizing for Rural Development
(ACCORD) that led to the organization of cooperatives to
community workers dubbed in acronym as: “WORD-SINS”
which stands for “Workers Organization for Rural
Development - San Isidro, Northern Samar” with
complete set of officers organized by this unit as a
core body responsible in the promotion of abaca
handicraft projects in the municipality of San Isidro,
Northern Samar. On
the other hand, coordination with “BASCO” (Barobaybay
ALPS Shellcraft Cooperative), a shell craft producer in
Brgy Barobaybay, Lavezares, Northern Samar is being
maintained as its members were trained and organized by
this unit.
Pursuant to paragraph 2, GO Nr 940, GHQ dated 24 August
2001, MAJ ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF) PA was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel effective 01 March 2001 for a
splendid and remarkable performance in carrying out the
counter-insurgency campaign in the province.
On 120620 October 2001, another encounter transpired in
Bgy Guindaulan, Rosario, Northern Samar by the operating
troops of Bravo Coy under 1LT MERRIL C SUMALINOG (INF)
PA wherein one (1) M1 Garand rifle was recovered.
Pursuant to paragraph 3, Sec 1, GO Nr 238, Hqs 8ID, PA
dated 16 July 2002, LTC ALLEN A ODCHIGUE (INF) PA was
relieved as Commanding Officer of the Innovators
effective 19 July 2002 to assume other functions of
higher responsibility at Hqs 8ID, PA.
Effective same date, LTC NORBERTO I ALINDAYU INF
(GSC) PA took over and assumed command of the battalion
pursuant to paragraph 3, Sec 2, GO Nr 238, Hqs 8ID, PA
dated 16 July 2002.
A day after as the new commander assumed command,
implemented the ISO Campaign of the unit thru its
Charlie Company conducting offensive operations at
Catubig-Mapanas-Gamay complex intercepted a group of
five (5) dissident terrorists at vicinity Mt Boboyaon,
Mapanas, Northern Samar headed by a certain Andy Tan Y
Lobereta, members of Loreto Ronato Command (LRC)
operating in the 2nd District of Northern
Samar. Confiscated
from the group was one (1) .38 revolver with six (6)
live ammunitions, thirteen (13) pieces subversive books,
assorted medicines and personal belongings.
Month long after, a team composed of two (2) EP from Hqs
Svc Coy and nine (9) CAFGUs from Las Navas Detachment
encountered with more or less seven (7) DTs and one (1)
amazon at vicinity Sitio Cadadaatan, Bgy Lourdes, Las
Navas, Northern Samar on 190830 August 2002 that
resulted to the recovery of one (1) Cal .30 M1 Garand
rifle with two (2) clips of ammunitions, two (2) cal .38
revolvers with seven (7) live ammunitions, three (3)
homemade shotguns, subversive documents and wounding of
two (2) DT members.
Subsequently, three (3) succeeding encounters occurred
in September 2002 in three (3) separate places: 1st
encounter happened on the 18th of September
2002 at vic Bgy Buenasuerte GC 497757, Victoria, NSamar
by the troops of Bravo Coy led by TSg Cornelio B Laure (Inf)
PA where one (1) CAA was wounded and recovered one (1)
.38 revolver, two (2) rds rifle grenande, five (5) back
packs and subversive documents.
The 2nd encounter transpired on the 20th
of September 2002 at vic Bgy San Roque GC 034563,
Matuguinao, WSamar by the SULTT Students while on their
test mission that resulted to one (1) WIA on the side of
the troops (Pvt Mario Noel Urmeneta 833707 (Inf) PA who expired later while on the
way for evacuation) and the 3rd was the
encounter at vic Bgy New Balud GC 969574, Silvino Lobos,
NSamar on the 24th of September 2002 by the
combined troops from Silvino Lobos Detachment and the
SULTT Students led by MSg Ludgardo Salac (Inf) PA where
one (1) CT was killed (body count) and the recovery of
one (1) M16 rifle and a bandoleer with magazines.
With all these accomplishments, the unit continues to
undertake its mission by preserving the peace stability
in the area of responsibility.
On 26 November 2002, combined troops from HHSvc
Coy and some EP and CAAs of Genulgan Detachment under
2LT JULITO B RECTO JR (OS) PA conducted strike
operations at vic Sitio Gadgaran, Bgy Canhumadal,
Pambujan, NSamar and encountered more or less twenty
(20) fully armed CTs that resulted to one (1) killed
(body count) on enemy side and the recovery of one (1)
M16 rifle bearing SN: 013752, two (2) jungle packs and
subversive documents.
Unfortunately on 301030 December 2002, 2LT DELFIN REAN B
ANTE (INF) PA, Commanding Officer of Alpha Coy this
unit, together with three (3) EP and a driver on board a
Kennedy Jeep was ambushed by more or less fifty (50) CTs
at vicinity GC 783772 Sitio Hibabaogan, Bgy Washington,
Catarman, NSamar using landmine and
assorted HPFAs that resulted to two (2) KIA on
the government side (Pfc
Roberto B Menil Jr 726652 (Inf) PA and Pfc Reginaldo A
Serdenia 829141 (Inf) PA), one (1) Kennedy Jeep (burned
& totally damaged), the loss of four (4) HPFAs (2-
M14 rifles with SNrs: 607088, 1131770 and 2- M16 rifles
with SNrs: 207676, 5424567), nineteen (19) magazines
for M14 rifle, 9 long and 1 short magazines for M16
rifle (Alloy/plastic), 4 long and 3 short magazines for
M16 rifle (Aluminum),
4 rifle grenades, 383 rds ammo for M14 and 470
rds ammo for M16. Days
later, an improvised landmine was discovered and was
safely retrieved by the 8EOD Team, 8ID, PA.
On 18 January 2003, one (1) section composed of
personnel from HHSvc Coy and CAFGUs under CPT RUFINO L
DE LEON (INF) PA while conducting strike operation at
vic Bgy Sta Fe GC 323654, Catubig, NSamar encountered
more or less fifty (50) fully armed CTs that resulted to
the discovery of two (2) large enemy encampments and the
recovery of 5 magazines for M14 and several rounds of
ammo for M14 and 9mm pistol, 5 jungle packs containing
CTs personal belongings and subversive documents.
Pursuant to paragraph 2, Sec 1, GO Nr 7, Hqs 8ID, PA
dated 21 January 2003, LTC NORBERTO I ALINDAYU INF (GSC)
PA was relieved as the Commanding officer of the unit
effective 25 Jan 2003 to assume other function of higher
responsibility at Higher Headquarters. Effective same date, LTC MANUELITO R USI INF (GSC) PA took
over and assumed command of the battalion with same
authority as above dated 25 January 2003.
With the implementation of the 8ID’s OPLAN
“TRINITY”, in the conclusion that the fight on
counter-insurgency is a battle of intellect and of
population support, the unit enhanced its intelligence,
combat and civil-military operations to adjust the
prevailing situations.
From 25 January 2003 to 20 May 2004, among the
accomplishments of the unit through the Triad concept of
operations, resulted to eight (8) encounters and one (1)
raid that led to one (1) CT mbr killed (body
count), wounding/captured of one (1) suspected CT
member; the capture of CTL Zosimo CARANOG @ TATOT/TONY,
six (6) CT mbrs and two (2) wanted criminals (both
gang leaders) and apprehension of three (3)
disreputable civilians.
Also the recovery of one (1) 9mm ingram machine
pistol SN: 548060 with one (1) magazine and 10 rds ammo,
one (1) 22 rifle, five (5) .38 revolvers, one cal .22
magnum rev, thirteen (13) homemade shotguns (bardog),
one (1) landmine, one (1) improvised claymore mine, two
(2) hand grenades, magazines for M14 and M16 rifles,
assorted ammunitions, kitchen utensils, medical
paraphernalia, CTS personal belongings and voluminous
subversive documents.
The confiscation of eight (8) cal .45 pistols,
one (1) .38 revolver, one (1) generator & one (1)
chainsaw; the surrender of one (1) .357 rev, one (1)
Garand single shot rifle (homemade) and the discovery of
thirty one (31) enemy temporary encampments/safehouses.
Additionally, twenty two (22) communist terrorist
members/supporters/sympathizers from the different Bgys
of Las Navas, Laoang, and Pambujan, all of Northern
Samar surrendered to this unit through RSOT operations, massive info drives, symposiums and film showings.
Among these surrenderors, two (2) of them yielded
their firearms namely: Samuel Mora y Adarayan @ JEFFREY,
with one (1) M16 rifle bearing SN: 4910864, one (1) long
magazine with 17 rds of ammo and Gerardo C Cerino alias
“GERRY” with one (1) M16 rifle defaced serial
number, one (1) long magazine with 12 rds of
ammunitions.
With these achievements, the unit was adjudged as the Best
Battalion of the Year (2003)
on 06 August 2003 for its outstanding performance of
assigned mission in its area of responsibility in
pursuance of the Internal Security Operations of the 8th
Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
The unit’s sustained conduct of symposiums/information drives
performed a vital role in imparting public awareness
about our enemy. The CTs atrocities and the deception
they employed to win the support of the local populace
are given major emphasis during the delivery of these
information drives.
It is the primary factor that led to the decline
of public support to their cause. The effect of our effort proves that in 2004 election, the
combined votes of BAYAN MUNA, GABRIELA and ANAK PAWIS
(Province-wide) totaled to only 19,467, a significant
drop compared in 2001 election by which BAYAN MUNA
garnered a total of 39,352 votes.
The launching of incessant combat operations played an
important role in the gradual turnaround of insurgency.
From 21 May 2004 to 06 May 2005, the unit’s
offensive actions against the enemy resulted to four (4)
encounters that led to the recovery of one (1) M635P
Baby Armalite Rifle SN: 1675844, two (2) 9mm pistols,
two (2) cal .357 revolvers, one (1) .22 revolver
and the confiscation of one (1) cal .45 pistol,
one (1) cal .38 revolver and two (2) HMSGs from the
suspected CT supporters/collectors and wanted criminal;
the capture of three (3) CT members; the surrender of
two (2) CT members and the discovery of thirteen (13)
temporary enemy encampments.
Noteworthy during this period was the raid conducted by
our troops of Alpha Company OPCON to 34IB under 2LT
RICHARD D KADIL (INF) PA augmented by four (4) personnel
from HSC at a safehouse of suspected members of SPARU
Unit operating in Calbayog City on 220200 April 2005
that resulted to the capture of two (2) suspected SPARU
members and the recovery one (1) M16 rifle with defaced
serial number with one (1) magazine and live
ammunitions, one (1) cal .22 rifle SN: 45938 with 4 rds
of ammo, one (1) cal .45 pistol SN: 7849537 with six (6)
magazines and 42 rds of live ammo, one Cal .357 revolver
SN: 95284 with 6 rds of live ammo and one (1) binocular.
As the Battalion looks forward to the succeeding years,
it will continue performing its traditional and
non-traditional roles to neutralize all threats to the
nation’s sovereignty and eventually create an
environment conducive for development.
And it shall live by its theme of: “Strengthening
Ties with the Populace towards a stronger Republic”.
The Battalion would not have reached its rightful
place without the dedicated and sterling leadership of
the Officers and men who provided the vision and steered
the unit to a pedestal of success towards the
accomplishment of its mission and will carry on to do
its best in the service of our people and country.
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