New Army battalion formed for Eastern Visayas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army has activated a new battalion to intensify its internal security operations in Eastern Visayas.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Armand Rico, spokesman of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the 87th Infantry Battalion (IB) will contribute to efforts to curb local terrorist groups and ensure peaceful and credible elections in May 10.

Dubbed as “Hinirang,” the battalion will be headed by Lt. Col. Leo Lorenzo Madroñal and will cover the provinces of Samar and Leyte. It will be supervised by the 8th ID.

“With the advent of the 87th IB, the sons and daughters of Samar and Leyte will be more secured and given more assurance that the campaign against local terrorist groups will be strengthened for the ultimate attainment of peace toward development,” said 8th ID commander Maj. Gen. General Arthur Tabaquero.

Tabaquero also called on the troops to pursue their mandate despite limited resources.

“The only thing needed to make your mission accomplished is your best… the issue on scarcity is always present, it is only up to you to further advance your vision and mission to achieve your goals with the presence of limitation,” he said.

The “Hinirang” Battalion was activated a day after the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that it had formed a new battalion to provide security to Masbate.

The 85th Infantry Battalion deployed to Masbate is composed of 250 soldiers, 190 of whom served in United Nations peacekeeping teams in Liberia and Haiti.

Meanwhile, Rico said 104 newly appointed privates have been deployed to the 8th ID.

“These young blooded soldiers were proportionally distributed to all field units under the 8th ID to fill up the strength vacuumed by some personnel who retired from the military service,” he said.

During a send-off ceremony for the new privates last Tuesday, Tabaquero reminded the young soldiers about the importance of discipline as well as the need to uphold human rights.