The unit “LOGO” is an Eagle that flies down ready to catch its prey. This carry the name Eagle to symbolize alertness and vigilance ready to annihilate any enemy and lawless elements. The motto “Catch Em” implies active participation in combat operation and ready to swoop any enemy on sight. The color blue means peace, the Eagles are lovers and believers of freedom and ready to preserve peace in the whole archipelago to have, peace loving, God fearing, and free society by winning the hearts and minds of the people and bring them back to the folds of the government.
The white head and tail of the Eagle represents purity, honesty, dedication, and commitment for the accomplishment of the unit mission, while the yellow represents unit, respect, friendship and dignity.The spearhead shape of the shield represents the unit as protector of the people and the pointed portion represents the unit’s readiness to penetrate any target to promote and uphold democracy in the whole archipelago.
MISSION
TO PROVIDE ADMIN SUPERVISION OF CAA COY’S WITHIN THE 8TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY AOR.
HISTORY OF THE 52IB
The 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion was activated on 01 January 1985 pursuant to GO Nr 17, HPA dated 16 January 1985 as an organic unit of 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, PA at Camp Lapu-lapu, Cebu City. It was organized during its provisional status by LTC GEORGE O VALLEJERA 0-5353 (INF) PA, its first Battalion Commander. The “Eagle” was concerned as its unit symbol and “Catch ‘Em” as its motto because of the Eagle’s alertness, cunning agility and swiftness in quest of its prey.
It was first organized as a provisional Battalion on 01 December 1984, with four (4) rifle companies and one (1) Headquarters and Headquarters Company. After six (6) months of organizational training, it was deployed in Samar Island and established its Battalion Headquarters at Brgy Trinidad, Calbayog City with its AOR covering six (6) municipalities in Western and seven (7) municipalities in Northern Samar. On 16 June 1986, merely five (5) days upon its arrival, the 8th Infantry Brigade (Separate) was activated. It absorbed the Battalions from the 3rd Infantry Division and was subsequently placed OPCON. In the later part of 1986, the unit was re-organized to conform with the new TOE of the Infantry Battalion.
On 07 September 1988, the Battalion was re-deployed to Brgy Parasanon, Pinabacdao, Western Samar covering 11 municipalities, and was placed under the operational control of 802 Inf Bde, 8ID, PA. On 01 December 1988, MOL 200 DTs attacked a detachment manned by five (5) EP and five (5) CAA’s. Undauntedly, the detachment defended for hours until the enemy withdrew. As the other elements of the Battalion came to pursue the withdrawing enemy, more TDs fell under the unrelenting attack of the Eaglemen. The Eaglemen inflicted the enemy a total of 32 killed (Body Count) and recovered five (5) M16 rifles and one (1) M203 grenade launcher. This incident became one of the historical drawbacks of the communist movement in Samar with no casualty in the government troops, the Battalion was adjudged as the “Best Fighting Infantry Battalion” VISCOM wide.
On 16 October 1990, the Battalion was placed under operational control of the 803rd Inf Bde. The Eaglemen once again displayed its cunning agility when it swooped and seized the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) regional main camp and its Radio Communication Bureau (RCB). The Battalion inflicted five (5) enemy killed (body count) and seized war materials, medicines, foodstuffs, communication equipments, pocket computers including three (3) electric generators..
On 21 September 1991, the Battalion was redeployed to Panay Island pursuant to GO Nr 208 Headquarters Visayas Command, AFP dated 29 October 1991. Initially, the Battalion Headquarters was established at Brgy Libot, Calinog, Iloilo and then was moved to Brgy Buntalan, Maasin, Iloilo. It was placed under the operational control of the 302nd Inf Bde as a striking unit of the Panay Island Command (PICOM). The primary mission of the Battalion was to neutralize the remaining members of the FGU-South. The Eaglemen attacked the enemy main camp at vicinity of Mount Tambara, Antique inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. However, six (6) of the Eaglemen lost their lives in the service of his country and people. The Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division awarded a Command Plaque of Merit to the Battalion, for its invaluable service rendered to the command’s counterinsurgency campaign.
On 04 August 1992, the Battalion returned to Samar as a strike battalion of 8ID, PA with hqs at Camp Daza, Fatima, Hinabangan, Western Samar. On 31 March 1993, the Battalion relieved-in-place 43rd Infantry Battalion at Brgy Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. It covers 12 southern municipalities of Eastern Samar from Maydolong down to the Southern tip of Guiuan and its appendix towns of Quinapondan down to Lawaan. On July 1993, Headquarters 8ID, PA directed the Battalion Headquarters to moved to Brgy Uno, Giporlos, Eastern Samar. On 21 January 1995 where the Eaglemen waylaid a group of TDs killing one (1), capturing another and recovering seven (7) HPFAs including one (1) M203 GL at Sitio Nakawayan, Brgy Magtino, Llorente, Eastern Samar. On May 1995, the Battalion moved its Headquarters at Sitio Pinasuan, San Miguel, Hernani, Eastern Samar.
On January 1996, the unit was alerted as AFP strategic reserve for Mindanao and Negros Island. This alert put the unit on its toes keeping the Battalion consolidated ready for rapid deployment, which remained for almost one (1) year.The Battalion was adjudged as the Best Infantry Battalion during the VISCOM’s Anniversary Celebration on 20 March 1996. On 08 August 1996 it was awarded the CG, 8ID Streamer as Best Battalion for Intelligence during the 8ID’s Anniversary Celebration at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar.
In Year 1997, this unit recovered three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) M203 GL, one (1) cal 5.56 revolver, two (2) cal .38 revolver, one (1) set improvised mine, war paraphernalia, communication equipment and destroyed several DT camps/bases. The Eagle Battalion’s relentless combat, Intel and CMO operations resulted to the surrender of seven (7), killing of two (2), and capturing of two (2) DTs.
On 11 November 1998, the unit expanded its AOR covering the municipality of Marabut, Western Samar as a result of realignment when one Company of the 43rdIB was deployed to Leyte Island. On 12 December 1998, the Eaglemen encountered a group of DTs, which resulted to the recovery of three (3) High Powered Firearms and discovery of armed cache containing three (3) high-powered firearms, and the eventual surrender of two (2) high-powered firearms through negotiations.
On 16 June 1999, the unit expanded its Battalion AOR with Headquarters at Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Samar when it assumed the vacated area of 43rd Infantry Battalion when the latter was transferred to Leyte.
In the year 2000, the Battalion moved to Mindanao to augment the AFP troops in the all-out-war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. On 17 May 2000, the troops boarded LST 501 at Tacloban City Port Area and disembarked at the wharf of Iligan City on 19 May 2000.The Battalion was placed OPCON to the 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division and established its RCP at National Steel Corporation Gym, Iligan City.
The 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion contributed significantly to the success of the security and clearing operations of the sixteen (16) kilometers stretch of the Narciso Ramos highway from Brgy Igabay, Balabagan, Lanao Del Sur to Brgy Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao. The Battalion has been instrumental in the seizure of Camp Akir Akir in Marogong, Lanao Del Sur. It also contributed in the seizure of Camp Al Madina and Camp Jabal Nur based at the foot of Dos Hermanos Hills in Malabang, Lanao Del Sur.
Meanwhile, on 27 Jul 2000, the Battalion moved from the municipality of Marogong to Butig, Lanao Del Sur to relief-in-place the 1st MARINE BDE with primary mission to overwatch Camp Bushra serve as blocking force and supporting unit during the attack of Camp Abubakar, the biggest MILF camp in Mindanao. The Eaglemen were able to capture and seize Camp Ali Bin Atalib, an MILF satellite camp located approximately 1.2 kms NE of Camp Bushra, Brgy Sandab, Butig, Lanao Del Sur.
During the height of the war in Lanao Del Sur, the Battalion participated in six (6) major Division Initiated operations, eight (8) Brigade initiated operation , conducted five (5) Battalion initiated operations, one (1) company operations and 579 small unit patrols which resulted to ten (10) encounters, with nine (9) MILF rebels killed (Body count) and the recovery of high powered firearms to include one (1) B40 and other war materials.
On 23 October 2000, the unit displaced Muslim areas in Lanao Del Sur and assumed the area of responsibility vacated by the 29th Infantry Battalion in CARAGA region covering fifteen (15) Northern municipalities of Surigao Del Sur and four (4) Northern municipalities of Agusan Del Sur. The Battalion established its Bn Hqs at Brgy Dayoan, Tago, Surigao Del Sur and stayed thereat for only two (2) months.
On 22 December 2000, moved back to Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Wsamar. The efforts of the Eaglemen in Mindanao had made the unit a recipient of the Commanding General 8th Infantry Division Streamer Award.
On 15 January 2001, the Bn Hqs moved to Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, W Samar to relief-in-place the Task Force LEYSAM and subsequently conducted Battalion Retraining in the area. The Battalion Retraining almost lasted for six (6) months was eventually tested and evaluated through the conduct of Battalion Retraining CPX in two (2) separate occasions by test and evaluation teams from OG8, 8ID, PA and TEVD, G5, TRADOC, PA.
On 16 August 2001, the Bn Hqs moved to Brgy Beta-og, Lawaan, Esamar to strategically control and supervise operational areas of subordinate units, which covers the Southern part of Eastern and Western Samar. This unit was directed by HHqs to send one (1) rifle Company as contingent to Basilan province, Mindanao to support AFP troops in its campaign against the ABU Sayaff. Personnel under went pre-deployment re-training at Hqs 801 Bde, PA, Camp Daza, Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar. However, after the re-training the plan for Basilan mission did not push through.
On 11 June and 01 August 2002, respectively, this unit assume responsibility over the vacated areas of 14IB, 8ID, PA and 83rd Recon Coy thereby expanding the Battalion’s AOR towards the whole province of Eastern and the southern part of W Samar.
In Year 2002, the unit participated in the three (3) Division and thirteen (13) Brigade initiated operations, twenty seven (27) Battalion initiated, twenty four (24) company initiated and four thousand five hundred twenty nine (4,529) small unit initiated operation which resulted to the recovery four (4) M16, two (2) Cal.357 Rev, two (2) Cal.38 Rev, (1) set improvised mine, war paraphernalia’s and destroyed several CT camp safe houses.
On 30 September 2003, the Battalion was re-deployed to operate the half portion of Western Samar province. It covers eight (8) municipalities; Basey, Sta Rita, Talalora, Villareal, Pinabacdao, Calbiga, San Sebastian and Hinabangan. Its Headquarters was strategically transferred at Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Western Samar.
On 15 December 2003, the unit was designated as CAA CADRE Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army pursuant to Section I, General Orders Number 655, Headquarters Philippine Army, dated 11 December 2003.
On 04 March 2004, the Charlie Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 801st Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Brgy Rawis, Hinabangan, Western Samar.
On 28 April 2004, the Bravo Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 803rd Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Nsamar.
On 24 August 2004, the Alpha Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 802nd Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Brgy Binulho, Javier, Leyte.
On 23 February 2005, the Battalion Headquarters was transferred to So. Cantaba, Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, Western Samar.
On 21 December 2004, the Charlie Company Command Post this unit was transferred to Brgy Botoc, Pinabacdao, Western Samar.
The Unit’s history is filled with acts of heroism, bravery and courage displayed by the Eaglemen. The Battalion however reaped not all glory and honor along the way; the unit went through rough and rugged roads. In the course of the service to the people and country, we had dear comrades who fell along the way. To those who offered the supreme sacrifice will be remembered, as everything in this world comes and passes by like a wind underneath the eagle’s wings.
All said and done, the 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion proudly looks back at its glorious past so that lessons can be derived there from, to guide the Eaglemen in their quest for excellence in its service to the people.
The unit history was made in recognition of the efforts of the men who made a history in themselves and the commanders whose visions and wisdom which guided the actions help shaped the destiny and put the unit in its rightful place today.
It was first organized as a provisional Battalion on 01 December 1984, with four (4) rifle companies and one (1) Headquarters and Headquarters Company. After six (6) months of organizational training, it was deployed in Samar Island and established its Battalion Headquarters at Brgy Trinidad, Calbayog City with its AOR covering six (6) municipalities in Western and seven (7) municipalities in Northern Samar. On 16 June 1986, merely five (5) days upon its arrival, the 8th Infantry Brigade (Separate) was activated. It absorbed the Battalions from the 3rd Infantry Division and was subsequently placed OPCON. In the later part of 1986, the unit was re-organized to conform with the new TOE of the Infantry Battalion.
On 07 September 1988, the Battalion was re-deployed to Brgy Parasanon, Pinabacdao, Western Samar covering 11 municipalities, and was placed under the operational control of 802 Inf Bde, 8ID, PA. On 01 December 1988, MOL 200 DTs attacked a detachment manned by five (5) EP and five (5) CAA’s. Undauntedly, the detachment defended for hours until the enemy withdrew. As the other elements of the Battalion came to pursue the withdrawing enemy, more TDs fell under the unrelenting attack of the Eaglemen. The Eaglemen inflicted the enemy a total of 32 killed (Body Count) and recovered five (5) M16 rifles and one (1) M203 grenade launcher. This incident became one of the historical drawbacks of the communist movement in Samar with no casualty in the government troops, the Battalion was adjudged as the “Best Fighting Infantry Battalion” VISCOM wide.
On 16 October 1990, the Battalion was placed under operational control of the 803rd Inf Bde. The Eaglemen once again displayed its cunning agility when it swooped and seized the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) regional main camp and its Radio Communication Bureau (RCB). The Battalion inflicted five (5) enemy killed (body count) and seized war materials, medicines, foodstuffs, communication equipments, pocket computers including three (3) electric generators..
On 21 September 1991, the Battalion was redeployed to Panay Island pursuant to GO Nr 208 Headquarters Visayas Command, AFP dated 29 October 1991. Initially, the Battalion Headquarters was established at Brgy Libot, Calinog, Iloilo and then was moved to Brgy Buntalan, Maasin, Iloilo. It was placed under the operational control of the 302nd Inf Bde as a striking unit of the Panay Island Command (PICOM). The primary mission of the Battalion was to neutralize the remaining members of the FGU-South. The Eaglemen attacked the enemy main camp at vicinity of Mount Tambara, Antique inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. However, six (6) of the Eaglemen lost their lives in the service of his country and people. The Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division awarded a Command Plaque of Merit to the Battalion, for its invaluable service rendered to the command’s counterinsurgency campaign.
On 04 August 1992, the Battalion returned to Samar as a strike battalion of 8ID, PA with hqs at Camp Daza, Fatima, Hinabangan, Western Samar. On 31 March 1993, the Battalion relieved-in-place 43rd Infantry Battalion at Brgy Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. It covers 12 southern municipalities of Eastern Samar from Maydolong down to the Southern tip of Guiuan and its appendix towns of Quinapondan down to Lawaan. On July 1993, Headquarters 8ID, PA directed the Battalion Headquarters to moved to Brgy Uno, Giporlos, Eastern Samar. On 21 January 1995 where the Eaglemen waylaid a group of TDs killing one (1), capturing another and recovering seven (7) HPFAs including one (1) M203 GL at Sitio Nakawayan, Brgy Magtino, Llorente, Eastern Samar. On May 1995, the Battalion moved its Headquarters at Sitio Pinasuan, San Miguel, Hernani, Eastern Samar.
On January 1996, the unit was alerted as AFP strategic reserve for Mindanao and Negros Island. This alert put the unit on its toes keeping the Battalion consolidated ready for rapid deployment, which remained for almost one (1) year.The Battalion was adjudged as the Best Infantry Battalion during the VISCOM’s Anniversary Celebration on 20 March 1996. On 08 August 1996 it was awarded the CG, 8ID Streamer as Best Battalion for Intelligence during the 8ID’s Anniversary Celebration at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar.
In Year 1997, this unit recovered three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) M203 GL, one (1) cal 5.56 revolver, two (2) cal .38 revolver, one (1) set improvised mine, war paraphernalia, communication equipment and destroyed several DT camps/bases. The Eagle Battalion’s relentless combat, Intel and CMO operations resulted to the surrender of seven (7), killing of two (2), and capturing of two (2) DTs.
On 11 November 1998, the unit expanded its AOR covering the municipality of Marabut, Western Samar as a result of realignment when one Company of the 43rdIB was deployed to Leyte Island. On 12 December 1998, the Eaglemen encountered a group of DTs, which resulted to the recovery of three (3) High Powered Firearms and discovery of armed cache containing three (3) high-powered firearms, and the eventual surrender of two (2) high-powered firearms through negotiations.
On 16 June 1999, the unit expanded its Battalion AOR with Headquarters at Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Samar when it assumed the vacated area of 43rd Infantry Battalion when the latter was transferred to Leyte.
In the year 2000, the Battalion moved to Mindanao to augment the AFP troops in the all-out-war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. On 17 May 2000, the troops boarded LST 501 at Tacloban City Port Area and disembarked at the wharf of Iligan City on 19 May 2000.The Battalion was placed OPCON to the 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division and established its RCP at National Steel Corporation Gym, Iligan City.
The 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion contributed significantly to the success of the security and clearing operations of the sixteen (16) kilometers stretch of the Narciso Ramos highway from Brgy Igabay, Balabagan, Lanao Del Sur to Brgy Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao. The Battalion has been instrumental in the seizure of Camp Akir Akir in Marogong, Lanao Del Sur. It also contributed in the seizure of Camp Al Madina and Camp Jabal Nur based at the foot of Dos Hermanos Hills in Malabang, Lanao Del Sur.
Meanwhile, on 27 Jul 2000, the Battalion moved from the municipality of Marogong to Butig, Lanao Del Sur to relief-in-place the 1st MARINE BDE with primary mission to overwatch Camp Bushra serve as blocking force and supporting unit during the attack of Camp Abubakar, the biggest MILF camp in Mindanao. The Eaglemen were able to capture and seize Camp Ali Bin Atalib, an MILF satellite camp located approximately 1.2 kms NE of Camp Bushra, Brgy Sandab, Butig, Lanao Del Sur.
During the height of the war in Lanao Del Sur, the Battalion participated in six (6) major Division Initiated operations, eight (8) Brigade initiated operation , conducted five (5) Battalion initiated operations, one (1) company operations and 579 small unit patrols which resulted to ten (10) encounters, with nine (9) MILF rebels killed (Body count) and the recovery of high powered firearms to include one (1) B40 and other war materials.
On 23 October 2000, the unit displaced Muslim areas in Lanao Del Sur and assumed the area of responsibility vacated by the 29th Infantry Battalion in CARAGA region covering fifteen (15) Northern municipalities of Surigao Del Sur and four (4) Northern municipalities of Agusan Del Sur. The Battalion established its Bn Hqs at Brgy Dayoan, Tago, Surigao Del Sur and stayed thereat for only two (2) months.
On 22 December 2000, moved back to Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Wsamar. The efforts of the Eaglemen in Mindanao had made the unit a recipient of the Commanding General 8th Infantry Division Streamer Award.
On 15 January 2001, the Bn Hqs moved to Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, W Samar to relief-in-place the Task Force LEYSAM and subsequently conducted Battalion Retraining in the area. The Battalion Retraining almost lasted for six (6) months was eventually tested and evaluated through the conduct of Battalion Retraining CPX in two (2) separate occasions by test and evaluation teams from OG8, 8ID, PA and TEVD, G5, TRADOC, PA.
On 16 August 2001, the Bn Hqs moved to Brgy Beta-og, Lawaan, Esamar to strategically control and supervise operational areas of subordinate units, which covers the Southern part of Eastern and Western Samar. This unit was directed by HHqs to send one (1) rifle Company as contingent to Basilan province, Mindanao to support AFP troops in its campaign against the ABU Sayaff. Personnel under went pre-deployment re-training at Hqs 801 Bde, PA, Camp Daza, Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar. However, after the re-training the plan for Basilan mission did not push through.
On 11 June and 01 August 2002, respectively, this unit assume responsibility over the vacated areas of 14IB, 8ID, PA and 83rd Recon Coy thereby expanding the Battalion’s AOR towards the whole province of Eastern and the southern part of W Samar.
In Year 2002, the unit participated in the three (3) Division and thirteen (13) Brigade initiated operations, twenty seven (27) Battalion initiated, twenty four (24) company initiated and four thousand five hundred twenty nine (4,529) small unit initiated operation which resulted to the recovery four (4) M16, two (2) Cal.357 Rev, two (2) Cal.38 Rev, (1) set improvised mine, war paraphernalia’s and destroyed several CT camp safe houses.
On 30 September 2003, the Battalion was re-deployed to operate the half portion of Western Samar province. It covers eight (8) municipalities; Basey, Sta Rita, Talalora, Villareal, Pinabacdao, Calbiga, San Sebastian and Hinabangan. Its Headquarters was strategically transferred at Brgy San Eduardo, Sta Rita, Western Samar.
On 15 December 2003, the unit was designated as CAA CADRE Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army pursuant to Section I, General Orders Number 655, Headquarters Philippine Army, dated 11 December 2003.
On 04 March 2004, the Charlie Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 801st Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Brgy Rawis, Hinabangan, Western Samar.
On 28 April 2004, the Bravo Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 803rd Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Nsamar.
On 24 August 2004, the Alpha Company this unit was re-deployed to provide admin supervision of CAA Company’s personnel within the 802nd Infantry Brigade AOR. Its Headquarters was transferred to a strategic area of operation at Brgy Binulho, Javier, Leyte.
On 23 February 2005, the Battalion Headquarters was transferred to So. Cantaba, Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, Western Samar.
On 21 December 2004, the Charlie Company Command Post this unit was transferred to Brgy Botoc, Pinabacdao, Western Samar.
The Unit’s history is filled with acts of heroism, bravery and courage displayed by the Eaglemen. The Battalion however reaped not all glory and honor along the way; the unit went through rough and rugged roads. In the course of the service to the people and country, we had dear comrades who fell along the way. To those who offered the supreme sacrifice will be remembered, as everything in this world comes and passes by like a wind underneath the eagle’s wings.
All said and done, the 52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion proudly looks back at its glorious past so that lessons can be derived there from, to guide the Eaglemen in their quest for excellence in its service to the people.
The unit history was made in recognition of the efforts of the men who made a history in themselves and the commanders whose visions and wisdom which guided the actions help shaped the destiny and put the unit in its rightful place today.
