The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., lauded the heroism of 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division (8ID) personnel for saving victims of natural calamities during his visit at Camp General Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
In his traditional “Talk to Troops,” the Army Chief lauded Stormtroopers for their humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts that saved lives, particularly during the onslaught of Tropical Storm “Agaton“ last month and Typhoon “Odette” late last year.
Lt. Gen. Brawner led the awarding ceremony for 8ID units that played a crucial role in saving victims of natural calamities in Eastern Visayas. He pinned a medal on a military dog that helped in the search, rescue and retrieval efforts for victims of massive landslides that hit Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte last month.
8ID personnel, together with responders from other government agencies, promptly evacuated villagers in flood-prone areas in the wake of the massive flooding caused by “Agaton." The division also deployed teams to clear landslide-hit roads and distribute essential supplies to families in evacuation shelters.
Moreover, it can be recalled that 8ID—hand in hand with national government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations—launched extensive search and rescue efforts for victims of “Odette,” the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the country last year. Aside from relief efforts for typhoon-stricken families, the division also deployed carpentry teams that helped rebuilt houses and other structures damaged by “Odette.”
The CGPA, in his remarks, has urged Stormtroopers to remain steadfast in their duty to serve the people, not just through the conduct of combat missions but also through non-combat missions such as HADR efforts for calamity victims.
Photo: Sgt Cesar Lopez Philippine Army/ OACPA