LOPE DE VEGA, SAMAR – The 43rd Infantry Battalion (43rd IB), also called "We Search Battalion" of the Philippine army based in Barangay Magsaysay celebrated its 40th anniversary on March 24, 2017. Currently under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reymondo Delgado since September 2016, the celebrations was graced by two of the battalion’s former commanders.
Guest of Honor and Speaker of the occasion, Major General Raul Farnacio, now Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, served as Battalion Commander of the 43rd IB for the period covering December 2004 to March 2006. During which stint, the battalion made a name for the division and the entire army for collaborative efforts to the response operations in the aftermath of the February 2006 Guinsaugon, St. Bernard mudslide where over a thousand people perished.
Presently in command of the 803rd Brigade stationed in Catarman, Northern Samar, Major General Mario Lacurom, who led the battalion in March 2006 to June 2008, was also present during the celebration. Following the quest for peace, M/Gen. Lacurom kept a significant mark in clearing Southern Leyte from NPA affectations and influence.
Guest of Honor and Speaker of the occasion, Major General Raul Farnacio, now Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, served as Battalion Commander of the 43rd IB for the period covering December 2004 to March 2006. During which stint, the battalion made a name for the division and the entire army for collaborative efforts to the response operations in the aftermath of the February 2006 Guinsaugon, St. Bernard mudslide where over a thousand people perished.
Presently in command of the 803rd Brigade stationed in Catarman, Northern Samar, Major General Mario Lacurom, who led the battalion in March 2006 to June 2008, was also present during the celebration. Following the quest for peace, M/Gen. Lacurom kept a significant mark in clearing Southern Leyte from NPA affectations and influence.
Part of the celebration was the pinning of medals in merit to the performance of the troopers as well as presentation of awards in appreciation to the support of the civilian community to the programs of the battalion. Maj/|Gen. Farnacio was assisted by the 43rd WeSearch Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Delgado.
For notable performance in respective ranks, Military Medals/Awards were pinned to (1) Lt. Hannibal Y. Pagtan – Bronze Cross Medal; (2) Sgt. Godofredo Dela Rosa, Best Squad Leader 2017; (3) Sgt. Oliver Balmes, Best Platoon Leader 2017; (4) S/Sgt. Eflicido Palaña, Best enlisted personnel for Admin 2017; and (5) S/Sgt. Ruel Capon, Best enlisted personnel for Combat 2017.
For notable performance in respective ranks, Military Medals/Awards were pinned to (1) Lt. Hannibal Y. Pagtan – Bronze Cross Medal; (2) Sgt. Godofredo Dela Rosa, Best Squad Leader 2017; (3) Sgt. Oliver Balmes, Best Platoon Leader 2017; (4) S/Sgt. Eflicido Palaña, Best enlisted personnel for Admin 2017; and (5) S/Sgt. Ruel Capon, Best enlisted personnel for Combat 2017.
In appreciation to the support rendered by civilians in the Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO), Certificates were conveyed unto the following: (1) Hon. Melissa Dela Cruz, Municipal Mayor, Matuguinao, Samar - as received in representation by 1st Lt. Gregor Pangiban; (2) ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan-Tulong sa Buhay Foundation, Inc.; and Josephine M. Mendoza, Calbayog Journal, Calbayog City.
Beleiving that practice makes perfect and in fact the kind of attribute that molded the battalion into its present stature, M/Gen. Farnacio, in his speech, stated that “forty years of witnessing and active involvement in many events, 43rd IB helped shape the current situation that Region 8 is now experiencing. After all the enduring trials, over four decades, 43rd IB has stood far in its professionalism, sense of duties and responsibilities for the greater good.”
Meanwhile, with the recent status of the peace talks initiated by the government and the situation being volatile, the 8th ID Commander calls for vigilance of the troopers saying that “with the future at hand, we must all together strive to honestly realize our standards as the premier unit in the army.”
Meanwhile, with the recent status of the peace talks initiated by the government and the situation being volatile, the 8th ID Commander calls for vigilance of the troopers saying that “with the future at hand, we must all together strive to honestly realize our standards as the premier unit in the army.”
Farnacio also reminded the troopers about the army’s job to remain in the best to the service in making the unit reach its mission thru whatever the changes in the security landscape may be faced in the future.
In conclusion, the Major General stated that “the 43rd IB started and has been a dependable partner of peace and progress in this part of Samar Island.” The troopers were further challenged to set goals higher in the mandate of securing the people and joining the constituents in creating a just and lasting peace in Eastern Visayas.
In conclusion, the Major General stated that “the 43rd IB started and has been a dependable partner of peace and progress in this part of Samar Island.” The troopers were further challenged to set goals higher in the mandate of securing the people and joining the constituents in creating a just and lasting peace in Eastern Visayas.
ABOUT THE BATTALION:
BRIEF HISTORY: The 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army traces its humble beginnings in central plant of Luzon where it started with two (2) rifle companies. It was later organized as provisional battalion on 16 September 1976 under 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army stationed then at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan Cty. Its first Commander and acknowledged father was the late Maj. Felicisimo S. Esquadro (INF) PA.
The unit was activated into an Infantry Battalion, on 02 March 1977 pursuant to General Order Number 77, Headquarters Philippine Army dated 19 March 1977, a time when peace and order situation in Mindanao on 21 September 1977 to test its fighting capability against enemies of the state. It carried the motto “WE SEARCH” purposely to track down and destroy lawless elements creating violence in that part of the country and later on to other areas where the motto of the unit is best applicable.
PLAQUES RECEIVED:
- 1986 - 5id, pa Command Plaque
- 1992 - 803rd Bde, 8ID PA Command Plaque
- 1996 - 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of Merit
- 1997 – VISCOM Plaque of Merit
- 1998 – VISCOM Plaque of Merit
- 2001 – 802nd Bde, 8ID, PA, Plaque of Recognition
AWARDS RECEIVED:
- 1981-1982 - Best Battalion for Civil Mil Opn
- 1984 - 5ID, PA Streamer Award
- 1991 - 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Award of Merit in ISO
- 1991 – 8ID PA Award of Merit
- 1991 – Best Infantry Battalion
- 1996 – PA Streamer Awar
- 1996 – “B” Coy Best Company of 8ID, PA
- 1997 – Commanding General, 8ID, PA Streamer Award
- 1998 – Philippine Army Streamer Award of Merit
- 1999 - Commanding General, PA Streamer Award
- 2002 – Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division Streamer Award
- 2006 – Presidential Citation
NOTABLE COMMANDERS:
- BGen Antonio A. Amodia, AFP
- BGen Ricardo Q Garcia AFP
- MGen Raul M. Farnacio AFP
- BGen Mario L. Lacurom AFP
BRIEF HISTORY: The 43rd Infantry (We Search) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army traces its humble beginnings in central plant of Luzon where it started with two (2) rifle companies. It was later organized as provisional battalion on 16 September 1976 under 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army stationed then at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan Cty. Its first Commander and acknowledged father was the late Maj. Felicisimo S. Esquadro (INF) PA.
The unit was activated into an Infantry Battalion, on 02 March 1977 pursuant to General Order Number 77, Headquarters Philippine Army dated 19 March 1977, a time when peace and order situation in Mindanao on 21 September 1977 to test its fighting capability against enemies of the state. It carried the motto “WE SEARCH” purposely to track down and destroy lawless elements creating violence in that part of the country and later on to other areas where the motto of the unit is best applicable.
PLAQUES RECEIVED:
- 1986 - 5id, pa Command Plaque
- 1992 - 803rd Bde, 8ID PA Command Plaque
- 1996 - 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of Merit
- 1997 – VISCOM Plaque of Merit
- 1998 – VISCOM Plaque of Merit
- 2001 – 802nd Bde, 8ID, PA, Plaque of Recognition
AWARDS RECEIVED:
- 1981-1982 - Best Battalion for Civil Mil Opn
- 1984 - 5ID, PA Streamer Award
- 1991 - 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Award of Merit in ISO
- 1991 – 8ID PA Award of Merit
- 1991 – Best Infantry Battalion
- 1996 – PA Streamer Awar
- 1996 – “B” Coy Best Company of 8ID, PA
- 1997 – Commanding General, 8ID, PA Streamer Award
- 1998 – Philippine Army Streamer Award of Merit
- 1999 - Commanding General, PA Streamer Award
- 2002 – Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division Streamer Award
- 2006 – Presidential Citation
NOTABLE COMMANDERS:
- BGen Antonio A. Amodia, AFP
- BGen Ricardo Q Garcia AFP
- MGen Raul M. Farnacio AFP
- BGen Mario L. Lacurom AFP
