The bell of Balangiga signifies the true characters of Eastern Samar. This was used by the Filipino freedom fighters against the American invading forces of company “C” 9th Infantry in a coordinated attack on their camp in the town of Balangiga, Eastern, Samar.
“PEERLESS” the unit of motto refers to unequalled focus of the unit to excel in both of its objectives of security and development.
The “OCTAGON” logo (red) represents the 8th Infantry Division, the mother unit of this brigade and the six stars comprises the six (6) provinces of region 8.
COLORS:
“BROWN” colors of the bell signify tradition and the rich folklore of Eastern Samar.
WHITE” is chosen as the color of the six (6) stars to depict the purity of the sentimental and aspirations of the people in region 8 for peace and tranquility in the area.
“RED” as the color of the OCTAGON is the chosen to symbolize courage and bravery displayed by the Army Forces in the entire region 8 in the fulfillment of their duty towards the attainment of peace and progress.
“GREEN” color represents the rich natural resources in the area and at the same time reflects the official color of the Philippine Army.
HISTORY OF 801 BDE
The 802nd Infantry (PEERLESS) Brigade, originally the 2/5 Infantry (WALANG KAPANTAY) Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army was activated on 10 November 1981, pursuant to Section I, General Orders Number 465 Headquarters Philippine Army dated December 1981 at Camp General Servillano Aquino in Tarlac and pursuant to Section II of the same general orders 14IB, 20IB and 34IB were placed under operational control to the brigade, it took more than a year to complete its organization, training and equipping before it was finally fielded leaving pier 15 of South Harbour, Manila on board LST 44 on 01 March 1983 and arrived Catbalogan, Samar on 03 March 1983.
HISTORY OF 801 BDE
The 802nd Infantry (PEERLESS) Brigade, originally the 2/5 Infantry (WALANG KAPANTAY) Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army was activated on 10 November 1981, pursuant to Section I, General Orders Number 465 Headquarters Philippine Army dated December 1981 at Camp General Servillano Aquino in Tarlac and pursuant to Section II of the same general orders 14IB, 20IB and 34IB were placed under operational control to the brigade, it took more than a year to complete its organization, training and equipping before it was finally fielded leaving pier 15 of South Harbour, Manila on board LST 44 on 01 March 1983 and arrived Catbalogan, Samar on 03 March 1983.
Initially, the Brigade Camp was col-located with 20IB at San Isidro, Sta. Rita, Samar. When the Philippine Constabulary Brigade based in Borongan, Eastern Samar was Deactivated on 03 May 1983. The Brigade established its command post in Borongan and assumed over the operational task of the defunct Philippine Constabulary Brigade.
On 01 July 1986, the 2/5 Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army was re-located with 20IB at San Isidro, Sta Rita, Samar. When the Philippine Constabulary Brigade based in Borongan, Eastern Samar was deactivated on 03 May 1983. The brigade established its command post in Borongan and assumed over the operational task of the Defunct Philippine Constabulary Brigade.
On 01 July 1986, the 2/5 Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division Philippine Army was re-designated as 2/8 Infantry Brigade pursuant to General order 143, Headquarters, Philippine Army dated 10 June 1986 and was absorbed by the newly activated 8th Infantry Brigade (Separate) Philippine Army.
In December of 1986, the 2/8 Infantry moved from Borongan, Eastern Samar to Bagacay, Hinabangan, Samar to effectively manage its operational control units in the pursuit against the communist party of the Philippine/new People Army/National Democratic Front in the assigned area of responsibility.
On 16 April 1988, The 2/8 Infantry Brigade was re-designated 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8th Infantry Brigade (Separate) Philippine Army pursuant to General Orders Number 199, Headquarters, Philippine Army dated 20 April 1988. This was effect to retraining all tactical Infantry Brigade based on the number of their respective units, and /or regional assignment as represented by the number of their numerical designation.
The 8th Infantry Brigade (Separate) Philippine Army was elevated to 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army effective 01 August 1988 pursuant to General Orders Number 471, General Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines dated 02 August 1988. The 802nd Infantry Brigade remain as one of its tactical Infantry Brigades.
On July 1992, The Brigade transferred its headquarters to Polangi, Taft, Eastern Samar, when its area of responsibility was modified placing the entire province of Eastern Samar under the brigade’s area of responsibility in accordance with the campaign plan “Lambat Bitag II” (SAMAR BRAVO), in the 1st quarter of 1998, the Second District of Western Samar was added to the area of responsibility of the brigade when the 803rd Infantry Brigade transferred to Catarman, Northern Samar.
On 07 Jun 1998, COL RUFO A DE VEYRA (GSC) PA the Brigade Commander, recommended to higher headquarters and approved by the Commanding General, Philippine Army the change of unit logo and patch with the motto of “PEERLESS”. On 15 June 1999, the whole island of Leyte and Biliran were added to the area of responsibility of the 802nd Brigade as continuously pursued its thrust for “UNITY AND PROGRESS” for Samar and Leyte.
In the year 2000, under COL NAGAMORA P LOMODAG FA (GSC) PA, the Brigade was placed operational control to the 4th Infantry Division, in Lanao Del Sur to participate in the campaign against Moro Islamic Liberation Front secessionists groups with three (3) operational control Infantry Battalion, the 52nd Infantry Battalion, 63rd Infantry Battalion and 58th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division and its fire support unit the Bravo Battery of 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. On 01 March 2001, the COL CESAR DP TIONGSON (GSC) PA assumed command as the eleventh Brigade Commander and Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, Samar as the 802nd Brigade Headquarters upon its re-deployment from Lanao Del Sur.
On 01 March 2002, BGEN EUSEBIO P RAMOS AFP assumed command as the twelve Brigade Commander in the same year, the brigade was adjudged as the ‘Best Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, In July 2002, the brigade transferred from Bgry Caticugan, Sta Rita, Samar to its present headquarters.
In 23 July 2003, BGEN UANITO P CABAYAO AFP assumed command as the thirteenth Brigade Commander of 802nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army under this command were the three (3) operational control battalion; the 19th Infantry Battalion, 43rd Infantry Battalion and 46th Infantry Battalion which operation in the island of Leyte and Biliran.
In 05 March 2005, COLONEL PEDRO D FERNANDO INF (GSC) PA assumed command as the fourteenth Brigade Commander of 802nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army under this command are the two (2) operational control battalion; the 19th Infantry Battalion and 43rd Infantry Battalion operates in the Island of Leyte and Biliran.
From its humble beginning, the Brigade has undertaken series of turn-over of command.
