TACLOBAN CITY – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, highlighted its key achievements in Eastern Visayas during the 1st Quarter Joint Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) meeting in Catbalogan City, Samar, Thursday (March 6).
During the meeting, Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm delivered an in-depth presentation on the significant accomplishments of JRTF8-ELCAC. It reported strengthened collaboration among the military, police, local government units, and other stakeholders, leading to successful initiatives such as the dismantling of guerrilla fronts, disruption of illegal activities, and improved security in the region.
Since 2019, JTF Storm has recorded: 461 combat engagements, 791 neutralized communist terrorists, 1,124 firearms seized, 703 IHL-banned anti-personnel mines recovered, and 620 hideouts discovered and dismantled. The presentation also highlighted significant progress in socioeconomic development and humanitarian projects that have benefited communities previously affected by armed conflict.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8ID, stressed the importance of continued collaboration and coordination among various sectors to achieve lasting peace, saying, “The fight against insurgency requires more than just military efforts; it demands a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.”
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr., represented by Alexander Umpar of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said they have achieved a historic breakthrough by completely dismantling guerrilla fronts. “As we review the milestones of past years, we recognize the significant impact of initiatives such as the Barangay Development Program,” Torres said.
Meanwhile, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, who also serves as the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 8, underscored the crucial role of the education sector in addressing insurgency in the region. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail March 3-9, 2025 issue)
