CATBALOGAN CITY – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, on May 31, 2024, welcomed the arrival of the 2nd Howitzer Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Field Artillery Battery (3FAB), Armor Artillery Regiment (AAR), Philippine Army, to Region 8.
These troops will support the Joint Task Force Storm and the 8ID in their campaign to completely eradicate local communist forces in Region 8.
During the welcome ceremony, 8ID Chief of Staff Colonel Cesar Molina expressed his confidence in the 2nd Howitzer Platoon, Bravo Company, 3FAB, highlighting their potential to sustain the gains of government troops against local communist insurgents.
“Your role is crucial in gaining an advantage to end the insurgency and safeguard the safety and security of Eastern Visayas. We trust in your abilities to carry out your duties with the utmost professionalism and expertise,” Col. Molina stated.
The platoon will be under the operational control of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, which is the main effort in confronting the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU) and the Sentro De Gravidad of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee in Northern Samar.
The deployment of the 2nd Howitzer Platoon, Bravo Company of 3FAB will enhance the existing firepower capabilities aimed at the total eradication of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA’s) umbrella organization in the region.
(via Ricky Bautista, With additional reporting and photos from the 8th Infantry Division)
