New Army battalion in E. Visayas

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division has activated the 93rd Infantry Battalion as part of the military’s efforts to defeat the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas.

8th ID commander Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, the keynote speaker at the 8th Battalion Retraining Facilities (8BRF) at Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar, said the activation of the unit is to prevent the spillover of hostilities to the region in the aftermath of Marawi City crisis and to defeat the NPA at the soonest possible time.

The unit will also assist government agencies in tackling illegal drugs and private armed groups (PAGs).

The “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion, as the unit will be known, is headed by Lt. Col. Hilarion G. Palma.

In his message to his troops, Farnacio said he is confident the unit will accomplish its mission.

“For one, most of you are seasoned officers and soldiers who have already accumulated trainings, experience and operational backgrounds of fighting our enemy in this rugged terrain of Samar and Leyte,” he said.

“Like any other battalion, I know that you would form your own culture and identity as a unit. I challenge you therefore to go beyond the brand, and instead strive to create the prestige of a unit that is known for its performance, excellence, empowerment, commitment and accomplishments,” Farnacio added.