Stormtroopers: Winning vs COVID-19, insurgency

TACLOBAN CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA) -- The Stormtroopers, the elements of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army as active members of the Region 8 Task Force ELCAC and the Task Force COVID-19, have their hands full in helping save lives from the dreaded Novel Coronavirus and helping prevent lives from being ruined by insurgency.

Take the case of the elements of the 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion who conduct Loudspeaker Operation to intensify efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Leyte and Southern Leyte.

The Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Team of 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Roberto B. Obaob conducted loudspeaker operations or “Budjong” to continue awareness drive to the populace in order to frequently remind the latter of their duties and responsibilities during this COVID-19 Crisis.

The CMO Team emphasized the practice of staying at home, usage of face mask at all times, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, social/physical distancing and avoidance of physical gestures requiring close contact. In addition, the team also rigidly implements the observance of curfew.

As Lt. Col. Obaob said, “This unit will untiringly remind the general public of their responsibilities as individuals in addressing COVID-19.“

This, in addition to its sustained effort to end local communist armed conflict in the area as members of the PLEDS cluster.

With these daunting tasks, Lt. Col. Obaob calls for the continued cooperation and support of the populace saying, “We cannot win these fights without you.”

Meanwhile, as a component of the Peace Law Enforcement Development Support Cluster, Task Force-ELCAC in the 2nd District of Northern Samar, elements of the Army’s 20th Infantry (WE LEAD) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, are actively providing security to the frontliners in the fight against COVID-19.

In accordance with the protocols set forth by the LGUs and the Provincial Health Office, the Battalion personnel together with the PNP are providing security to the health workers and barangay officials deployed in the Quarantine Control Points.

Border patrol is also conducted in the eastern front of Lapinig town that connects Northern Samar with Eastern Samar.

The 20th IB, enjoying the support of the community who are tired of the deceits, lies and atrocities of the CNTs, continues to pursue its task of ending local communist armed conflict in Northern Samar.

Then there is the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion that persuades Estehanon to observe DOH protocol on COVID-19.

The 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Oliver C. Alvior conducts also Loudspeaker Operation (Budjong) as one of its contributions to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 in the province of Eastern Samar.

The residents in the municipalities of Can-avid, Dolores and Oras, all of Eastern Samar, are persuaded to abide by the DOH protocol to prevent the spread of corona virus.

The unit remains to be supportive to the provincial government in maintaining a “ZERO COVID-19” case for Eastern Samar coupled with the continuous task of ending insurgency in this part of Eastern Visayas.

Further, the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Teams of 46th Infantry (PEACEMAKERS) Battalion under the leadership of LTC Rhomel R. Langcauon, distributed food packs to 226 families of five (5) RCSP barangays, namely; Brgy Antol, Brgy Caamlongan, Brgy. Hindang and Brgy. Daligan, all of Calbiga, Samar and Brgy. Layo of Pinabacdao, Samar on April 23-26, 2020.

The barangay officials of the said barangays helped the teams during the distribution. The activity is a way of showing the Battalion’s effort in helping people thwart the threat of this pandemic and the threat brought about by insurgency.

To the valiant Stormtroopers, Maj. Gen. Pio Q. Diñoso III, commander, 8ID, PA has this to say, "Huwag tayong mapagod at manawa kasama ng iba pang frontliners at ng lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapaalala at pagpapatupad ng Enhanced Community Quarantine para lang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. May God help us get over this crisis."

To the CNTs, he said, “Sincere po ang ating gobyerno, si Presidente, sila governor, sila mayor, mga kapulisan at kasundaluhan, para tulungan kayong magbagong buhay.” (PIA8)



Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)

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