8th ID commander gets 2nd star By Lt. Col. Arvin R. Lagamon, Chief, DPAO, 8th ID

CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR, Philippines – Major Gen Gerardo T. Layug was conferred with arrival honors last July 14 at Camp Vicente Lukban in this city, the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division.

The rites were held in recognition of Layug’s promotion to the next higher rank, from the one-star rank of brigadier general to a two-star rank of major general.

The promotion was also a form of recognition for Layug as the commander of the 8th ID, which he has been leading in massive peace and development efforts in Samar. 

Layug, in his speech, thanked God for giving him the gift of leadership and the strength he needed to overcome the challenges he faced in his long years of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and his men and women in the command for their commitment to serve for an insurgency-free community.

Layug also said his promotion will inspire him to strive harder and remain committed to lead the 8th ID in achieving sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in the area. He further urged all soldiers to be advocates of human rights and catalysts of peace and development.

After the ceremony, Layug and his wife invited everybody to join them in a “boodle fight” lunch – a military tradition of eating together to enhance camaraderie and esprit de corps. - THE FREEMAN