The 43rd Infantry Battalion Emblem is primarily designed to represent the noble ideals and objectives of the 43rd Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Blue Background of the seal and the white Clouds ceiling over the fields and mountains connotes the peace and serenity reigning all over the countryside which we are to protect and uphold with all our might.
The Yellow Color of the number 43rd and our motto “WE SEARCH” speaks of the golden goals and aspiration of our Battalion which are to uphold the Constitution of the Republic, to defend the nation from internal as well as external aggression and, to safeguard the peace that now prevail nationwide.
The Three (3) Yellow Stars represent the three (3) big islands of the archepelago namely: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao .
The Eagle is the king of the forest, Ferocious and vigilant, he reigns majestically over his dominion. The Eagle is a disciplined and patient bird. His ferocity complements his patience, for he can wait perch from high branches without detection or sound just to wait for his prey. He is quick and sure of his moves. His wings are wide and strong, the beak, which is his primary weapons, is unbreakable and dependable. The sealed talon of the Eagle speaks of his maturity in the many battles he has fought. Such is the 43rd Infantry Battalion. We aspire to be the best in the art of soldiery. We believe that with our discipline and patience weakens the enemy. Like the beak of the Eagle, our unceasing determination gives us strength and dependability in the face of any mission we undertake.
The Wide Spread Wings signifies our vow to protect and uphold the law, the peace and serenity of the nation. Like the talons of the Eagle, maturity in our decision and commitment towards attainment of our noble ideals and aspirations.
The Armalite is the basic weapon of the unit and held below the Eagle to signifiy that the civilians reign supreme over the military might. It also reveal to us that aside of its primary task to fight in defense of the country and people, it can also perform civic-oriented services towards nation building and development.
HISTORY
OF 43RD IB
I.
Introduction:
The 43rd Infantry
(SEARCHER) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army traces
its humble beginning in central plain of Luzon where it started with two (2)
rifle companies. It was later organized as provisional battalion on 16 December
1976 and was made a component of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division,
Philippine Army located then at Fort Bonifacio , Palayan
City
II.
Activation
of the Unit:
The unit was activated into an Infantry
Battalion on 02 March 1997 pursuit to General Orders number 77 Headquarters
Philippine Army dated 19 March 1977, a time when peace and order situation in
Mindanao was at its worst situation considering the threat posed not only by
the Muslim rebels but also by the CPP/NPA in the area. It was then deployed in Mindanao on 21 September 1977 to test its fighting
capability against the enemies of the state. It carried the motto of “WE
SEARCH” purposely to track 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.
III. Unit’s
Places of Assignment:
True
to its maxim, the unit has proven its dexterity in security operations in all
places of assignments in its pacification campaign from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao particularly in the fight against lawlessness in
the hinterlands of Zamboanga, Davao Del Sur, Zulo, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. The
unit won numerous battles against the insurgents with minimal casualties. Its
deployment in Mindanao greatly contributed in
turning the tide of security threat posed by the insurgents escalated attempts
to control certain areas which in effect brought forth favorable changes due to
much improved peace and order condition in the area. Through mutual harmonious
relationship with the local officials and people, the unit was instrumental in
effecting development as a result of unity, cooperation and goodwill by winning
the people’s trust in their pacification campaign.
On
16 August 1980, the battalion was relieved from 1st Infantry (TABAK)
Division, Philippine Army and was placed OPCON with the 5th Infantry
Brigade (S) PA pursuant to Section 1. General Order Number 294, Headquarters
Philippine Army dated 13 August 1980. After the height of insurgency campaign,
the battalion was transferred to Camp
Servillano
After
successfully hurdling the rigors of training on 17 January 1982, the 43rd
Infantry Battalion once again fresh and ready for another mission, was sent to
Eastern Visayas to quell the fast growing Communist Insurgency threat in that
part of the country. The unit had established its headquarters at Mahaplag, Leyte on 23 January 1982.
On
June 1986, the battalion was relieved from 5th Infantry Brigade( S),
PA and subsequently assigned with 8th Infantry Division, Philippine
Army pursuant to General Orders Number 126 Headquarters Philippine Army dated
27 May 1986. From then on, the unit controlled the most part of the province of Leyte
until February 1990 when the presence of the unit was needed in the enemy
infested areas of Samar . It was at that
instance the unit transferred to Eastern Samar on 02 March 1990 and established
its headquarters at Brgy Buenavista, Quinapundan, Eastern
Samar . The succeeding year on 01 April 1993, the unit was again
ordered to undergo retaining at Camp Eugenio Daza, Brgy Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar . After completion of its training program on 26
June 1993, the unit deployed in Western Samar
and established its headquarters in the following places. First at Brgy
Parasanon, Pinabacdao, then at Brgy Old San Agustin, Basey, and on June 1995
the battalion was again relocated to a more strategic location at Brgy San
Eduardo, Sta Rita, Samar where rolling hills and verdant mountains overlooking
the AOR.
On
20 May 1998, the battalion was relieved as OPCON unit from 803rd
Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA and subsequently planced OPCON to 802nd
Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA effective same date pursuant to General Order number
345 Headquarters 8th Infantry Division, PA dated 03 June 1998. On 14
June 1999, the 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA issued OPLAN
“PAGBABAGO” 08-99 realigning its forces under its AOR in Samar and redeploying
another battalion in Leyte as its additional
AOR. And on 17 June 1999 43rd Infantry Battalion moved its forces to
Leyte with a temporary tactical Command Post at Brgy Malinao, Mahaplag, Leyte . A month latter, the unit find its fnal home at
Brgy Hibod-Hibod, Sogod, Southern Leyte with the whole island of Leyte and
Biliranas its AOR.
On
24 January 2000, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army issued an
OPLAN”JAGUAR” relieving the unit from operationally controlled of 802nd
Bde, 8ID, PA effective 01 February 2000 and subsequently placed OPCON to Task
force Leyte (TFL), 8ID, PA effective same date pursuant to General OrderNumber
14, H8ID, PA dated 24 February 2000 with the same area of responsibility. Upon
the deactivation of Task Force Leyte on 16 August 2001, the unit was again
placed under Operational Control of 802 Brigade, 8th Infantry
Division, PA effective same date pursuant to Section 2 General Orders Number
381, Headquarters, 8ID, PA dated 29 August 2001.
On
10 March 2002, 802nd Bde issued an OPLAN “BAGUHIN” and realigned its
two (2) OPCON Battalions (19IB & 43IB) within the brigade’s AOR. With the effect
of said OPLAN, the unit new AOR covers the whole province
of Southern Leyte and eight southern
municipalities of Leyte to effectively
operationalized the one-on-one concept of the Brigade OPLAN “WEAKEST LINK”.
For
twenty eight (28) years of fruitful stint and services, the unit has operated
in eleven (11) provinces all over the country under the illustrious leadership
of various commanders.
Following are lineage of commanders:
MAJ FELICISEMO S
ESQUADRO (INF) PA 16 SEP 76 to 05 APR
77
LTC SALVADOR
G ISRAEL
MAJ ABRAHAM R MAGHARI (INF) PA 03 MAY 78 to 21 AUG 78
LTC ROGELIO Y
GONZALEZ (INF) PA 21 AUG 78
to 01 JUL 79
LTC FRANCISCO B
QUIBUYEN (INF) PA 11 JUL 79 to 01
NOV 79
LTC JESUS B RANJO
JR (INF) PA 01 NOV 79
to 21 APR 86
MAJ ANTONIO A
AMODIA (INF) PA 21 APR
86 to 21 MAY 86
LTC FELINO N TRISTE (INF) PA 21 MAY 86 to 21 OCT 88
LTC EUGENIO P HONOR (INF) PA 21 OCT 88 to 01 DEC 89
MAJ RESTITUTO G DURAN JR (INF) PA 01 DEC 89 to 04 JAN 90
LTC BERNARD Z DE LUNA (INF) PA 04 JAN 90 to 01 SEP 92
LTC JOSE E
YBAÑEZ (INF) PA 01
JUL 93 to 01 JUL 95
LTC RICARDO Q
GARCIA (INF) PA 01 JUL
95 to 04 APR 97
COL SANTIAGO A
BARICAUA INF (GSC) PA 04 APR 97 to 18 APR 98
LTC GIL P DADOY GSC
(INF) PA 18 APR 98
to 15 Nov 99
LTC FRANCISCO G
ACEDILLO (CAV) PA 15 NOV to 18 OCT
01
LTC NORBERTO I ALINDAYU INF (GSC) PA 18 OCT 01 to 18 JULY 02
LTC GEORGE A RABUSA INF (GSC) PA 18 JUL 02 to 15 JUNE 04
LTC ANDRELINO G COLINA INF (GSC) PA 15 JUNE 04 to 20 DEC 04
LTC RAUL M
FARNACIO INF (GSC) PA 20 DEC 04
to 14 MAR 06
LTC MARIO G LACUROM
FA (GSC) PA 14 MAR 06 to date
IV. The
Unit Today:
At
present, the unit covers the whole province
of Southern Leyte and twelve (12)
municipalities of Leyte as its area of
responsibility under the command of LIEUTENANT
COLONEL MARIO G LACUROM FA (GSC) PA. It composed of three (3) Rifle
Companies which are strategically deployed in the area, one (1) Service Company
and one (1) Combat Support Unit, the 2LAS OF 3LAP, 8LAC.
The
Battalion Command Post is located at Brgy Hibod-Hibod, Sogod, Southern
Leyte . Co-located with the Headquarters are the Hqs & Hqs
Service Company. The Charlie Company and
the Combat Support Unit of 2nd LAS, 3rd LAP, 8LAC, Bravo
Company is located at Brgy Capudlosan, Hindang, Leyte and. Alpha Company at
Brgy Polahongon, Mahaplag., Leyte .
V.
Significant
Accomplishments:
Today,
the unit stands tall among others outfit to humbly present its indelible
records of accomplishments. For its feats, the numerous awards of merit it has
garnered are proofs of its outstanding performance in the overall
accomplishments of the unit mission. Following are the awards the unit has
gained with distinction:
1. Commendation from the Sangguniang Bayan of Lamitan, Basilan Province
2. Certificate of Appreciation from UPLIG in the Province of Lamitan
3. Best Battaion for Civil Military Operation of 5ID, PA from
1981 to 1982.
4. 5ID, PA Streamer Award for Best in Civil
Military Operation from 1983 to 1984.
5. 5ID, PA Command Plaque for Best in Civil Military Operation
dated 21 April 1986.
6. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Award of Merit in ISO in Leyte
and Samar dated 27 Mar 05.
7. 8ID, PA Award of Merit in recognition of its invaluable
contribution to the Counter Insurgency efforts of the Command in Samar .
8. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Command Plaque in attaining
Development and Peace in Leyte and Samar from
1988 to 1992.
9. Best Infantry Battalion in the Visayas Command for CY 1991.
10. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of Merit for the Best
Manuever Battalion for CY 1995 to 1996.
11. 8ID, PA Streamer Award for Best Manuever Battalion for CY 1995
to 1996.
12. One of its maneuver company, the Bravo Company was adjudged as
Best company of 8ID, PA for the CY 1995 to 1996.
13. VISCOM Plaque of Merit for Best Infantry Battalion for CY 1996
dated 20 March 1997.
14. Adjudged as number 2 for Best Battalion of the wholePA for CY
1996.
15. Commanding General, 8ID, PA Streamer
Award for having attained twenty (20) years of excellence as unit of 8ID, PA
dated 28 February 1997.
16. Commanding General, PA Streamer Award for
Best maneuver Battalion of the PA for CY 1998 dated 30 Mar 99.
17. VISCOM Plaque of Merit for Best Infantry
Battalion for CY 1998.
18. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of
Commendation for exemplary performance in the conduct of ISO within the Bde AOR
dated 05 Jul 99.
19. Philippine Army Streamer Award of Merit
for one of the outstanding PA Battalion for CY 1998.
20. 802nd Bde, 8ID, PA Certificate
of Appreciation for invaluable contribution to the Counter Insurgency efforts
of the Bde in Eastern Samar dated 03 August
1998.
21. 802nd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of
Recognition dated 01 Mar 01 for invaluable support during the conduct of combat
operations in Leyte and Biliran from 03 Aug 98
to 31 Jan 01.
22. Commanding General, 8th
Infantry Division “STREAMER AWARD “ for Best Infantry Battalion of 8th
Infantry Division Calendar Year 2002.
23. Award of Plaque of Recognition dated 01
July 2003, from the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte in grateful
recognition in the conduct of Medical and Dental Services during Civac and
invaluable assistance in maintaining internal security assistance operation
which allow the province to sustain its socio-economic development.
24. Certificate of Commendation dated 16 Aug
03 from the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and PPOC in recognition of
valuable assistance to the province of Southern Leyte and its municipalities in
the operationalization of Area Coordinating Center.
25. Certificate of Recognition dated 31 July
2004 from RDCC, Region 8 in the successful implementation of Disaster
Management Program.
26. Award of Plaque of Recognition dated 01
July 2004, from the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte in the conduct of
retrieval, relief and rehabilitation operation effort for the landslide victims
in Panaon Island
27. Certificate of Appreciation dated 21
October 2004, from the Municipality of
San Francisco , Southern
Leyte for immeasurable support to the Local Government Unit in the conduct of SEARCH, RESCUE and
RETRIEVAL OPEARATION and CONSTRUCTION OF CORE SHELTER PROJECT for the landslide
victis.
28. Presidential Citation dated 15 March
2006, from President of the Philippines
for bravery and courage in the face of grave dangers and countless risks in the
conduct of rescue and retrieval operations in Brgy Guinsaugon, Saint Bernard,
southern Leyte .
