Unit History

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. Its first commander and acknowledged father was the late MAJOR FELICISEMO S ESQUADRO (INF) PA.

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, Aquino, Tarlac to refit its combat capability, dexterity and agility particularly manpower resources. The battalion underwent retraining on 24 August 1981.This move was likewise intended to beef-up the dwindling strength as a result of natural attrition and some combat casualties who in one way or another demonstrated their not noble services particularly their gallantry in action for its constitutional obligation of preserving genuine peace security.

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 (INF) PA 05 APR 77 to 03 MAY 78
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
COL CALIXTO F BANAÑA GSC (INF) PA 01 SEP 92 to 01 JUL 93
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 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 RAUL M FARNACIO INF (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, 8ALC.

The Battalion Command Post is located at Brgy Hibod-Hibod, Sogod, Southern Leyte. Co-located with the Headquarters are the Hqs & Hqs Service Company and the Bravo Company. Alpha Company is located at Brgy Capudlosan, Hindang, Leyte; and Charlie Company at Brgy Polahongon, Mahaplag, Leyte augmented by the Combat Support Unit 1st Sec of 2nd Platoobn, 8th Light Armored Company.

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:

a. Commendation from the Sangguniang Bayan of Lamitan, Basilan Province on 1980.

b. Certificate of Appreciation from UPLIG in the Province of Lamitan on 1980.

c. Best Battaion for Civil Military Operation of 5ID, PA from 1981 to 1982.

d. 5ID, PA Streamer Award for Best in Civil Military Operation from 1983 to 1984.

e. 5ID, PA Command Plaque for Best in Civil Military Operation dated 21 April 1986.

f. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Award of Merit in ISO in Leyte and Samar dated 27 Mar 05.

g. 8ID, PA Award of Merit in recognition of its invaluable contribution to the Counter Insurgency efforts of the Command in Samar.

h. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Command Plaque in attaining Development and Peace in Leyte and Samar from 1988 to 1992.

i. Best Infantry Battalion in the Visayas Command for CY 1991.

j. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of Merit for the Best Manuever Battalion for CY 1995 to 1996.

k. 8ID, PA Streamer Award for Best Manuever Battalion for CY 1995 to 1996.

l. One of its maneuver company, the Bravo Company was adjudged as Best company of 8ID, PA for the CY 1995 to 1996.

m. VISCOM Plaque of Merit for Best Infantry Battalion for CY 1996 dated 20 March 1997.

n. Adjudged as number 2 for Best Battalion of the wholePA for CY 1996.

o. Commanding General, 8ID, PA Streamer Award for having attained twenty (20) years of excellence as unit of 8ID, PA dated 28 February 1997.
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p. Commanding General, PA Streamer Award for Best maneuver Battalion of the PA for CY 1998 dated 30 Mar 99.

q. VISCOM Plaque of Merit for Best Infantry Battalion for CY 1998.

r. 803rd Bde, 8ID, PA Plaque of Commendation for exemplary performance in the conduct of ISO within the Bde AOR dated 05 Jul 99.

s. Philippine Army Streamer Award of Merit for one of the outstanding PA Battalion for CY 1998.

t. 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.

u. 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.

v. Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division “STREAMER AWARD “ for Best Infantry Battalion of 8th Infantry Division Calendar Year 2002.

w. 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.

x. 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.

y. Certificate of Recognition dated 31 July 2004 from RDCC, Region 8 in the successful implementation of Disaster Management Program.

z. Award of Palque 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.