In a significant recognition of their efforts to combat insurgency, six units from the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division were awarded the AFP Campaign Streamer Awards for their successful operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas. The ceremony took place at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, where the awards were presented by Visayas Command commander Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, deputy commander Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr., and 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio.
The honored units include the 801st Infantry Brigade and the 42nd Infantry Battalion, which was previously under the operational control of the 8th ID. These units were recognized for their role in dismantling the Elcon Platoon, part of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). The 42nd Infantry Battalion, which recently returned to the Bicol Region after a two-year deployment in Eastern Visayas, played a crucial role in these efforts.
The 802nd Infantry Brigade was also celebrated for its achievements in dismantling several NPA units, including the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) Bugsok, the Apoy Platoon, and Platoon 2 of the Island Committee under the EVRPC. Within this brigade, the 63rd Infantry Battalion was specifically acknowledged for its efforts against SRGU Bugsok and the sub-regional committee Sesame.
Further accolades went to the 78th Infantry Battalion for its work in dismantling the Apoy Platoon, and the 93rd Infantry Battalion for its efforts against Platoon 2.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio praised the units for their dedication and service, emphasizing that their efforts have been crucial in the broader campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Eastern Visayas. He stated, ‘These awards are testaments to your dedication and exemplary service. Your accomplishment of dismantling these communist terrorist groups has been vital in our goal of attaining a peaceful and progressive community for the people of Eastern Visayas.’