The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has awarded the 42nd Infantry Battalion for its successful campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar. The battalion, which has now returned to the Bicol Region after a two-year deployment, was honored with a meritorious merit medal and a command plaque for their significant contributions to the anti-insurgency efforts in the region.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the commander of the 8th Infantry Division, praised the battalion for not only neutralizing threats and recovering firearms but also for instilling hope and security in communities yearning for peace. He highlighted their role in fostering long-term peace and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas.
A key achievement of the battalion was the dismantling of the Elcon platoon, part of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, on March 3, 2023. The unit also managed to recover various high-powered firearms and facilitated the surrender of several armed rebels.
The 42nd Infantry Battalion was deployed to Samar from Mindanao on February 22, 2023, to tackle the NPA, which is seen as the last stronghold of insurgency in the Philippines. Prior to this, the battalion had been recognized for its offensive operations against rebels in Quezon and Bicol, and had served in various regions including Camarines Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao Del Sur, and Sulu.
The battalion also played a crucial role in the liberation of Marawi City, participating in the six-month battle against the ISIS-Maute Group.