TACLOBAN CITY – The Visayas Command (VisCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has awarded the prestigious AFP Campaign Streamer Awards to two infantry brigades, three battalions, and a former operational control (OPCON) unit of the 8th Infantry Division for their successful campaign against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas.
The awards were presented during the command conference held at VisCom headquarters at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City, on January 22, 2025.
Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, VisCom commander, together with Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID and Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr., deputy commander of VisCom, led the awarding ceremony.
The awardees include the 801st Infantry Brigade and 42nd Infantry Battalion (former OPCON unit of 8ID), recognized for dismantling the ELCON Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); 802nd IB, commended for dismantling the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) Bugsok, SRC SESAME of the EVRPC, the Apoy Platoon, and Platoon 2, Island Committee (IC) 47 LEVOX, EVRPC.
Also recognized were the 63rd IB, for its dismantling of the SRGU Bugsok, SRC SESAME, EVRPC; 78th IB, awarded for dismantling the Apoy Platoon, SRC SESAME, EVRPC; and the 93rd IB, honored for dismantling Platoon 2, IC 47 LEVOX.
Major General Orio praised the dedication and accomplishments of the awardee units, emphasizing their vital role in advancing peace and stability in Eastern Visayas.
“These awards are a testament to your dedication and exemplary service. Your accomplishments in dismantling these communist terrorist groups have been crucial in our goal of achieving a peaceful and progressive community for the people of Eastern Visayas,” he said.
Orio encouraged the troops to remain steadfast and sustain their efforts against the remaining insurgents.
“We are almost there. Let us continue our efforts and sustain the gains against these Communist Terrorist Groups. The people rely on us,” he added.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
