Latest news with #8thInfantryDivision
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
3 suspected rebels killed in Leyte encounter
Items from rebels seized by the military during the Leyte encounter. (Photo from the Philippine Army) Three suspected communist rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Carigara, Leyte, the Philippine Army said Wednesday. The military identified the fatalities as Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor, alleged to be an executive member of Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. The other two fatalities were identified as Eugene Paclita alias Dimple, said to be a squad leader, and Lito Delante alias Dodong, a member of the same squad of the said New People's Army unit. They were killed in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon on June 18. The military also seized one M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents. Tibor and his group were wanted for allegedly murdering Jesus Sarcilla alias Sosing in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, Leyte on December 7, 2021. They are also facing charges for violating the International Humanitarian Law before the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 8. 'Ang pagkaka neutralized sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias Tibor ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak,' said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Philippine Army commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade. (The neutralization of the three men serves as justice for the family of Jesus Sarcilla, who was mercilessly killed in front of his son.) 'Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen, hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,' he added. (Although he did not face the consequence for his crime, he did face the brutality of the soldiers who brought him to his death.) Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, condemned the continued recruitment of communist rebel groups in Eastern Visayas. He also urged the public to keep supporting the government and deny any presence of insurgency in their area. 'There is nothing revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in your senseless armed struggle,' Orio said. 'As the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I strongly condemn these atrocities, and I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,' he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
James Edward Payne Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) James Edward
Feb. 8—James Edward Payne Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) James Edward Payne, United States Army (Ret.), passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29, at the age of 93. Born on January 26, 1932, in Springboro, Pennsylvania, Jim was raised on a small family farm along with his six siblings. He joined the Army at his first opportunity and was sent to Fort Knox Kentucky for basic training. Upon completion of advanced training as an automotive maintenance technician, he was assigned to the 18th Infantry Battalion in Lenggries and Aschaffenburg Germany. He then returned stateside to join the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley Kansas. His next set of orders brought him to the 8th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Colorado. He next returned to Germany and to the 8th Infantry Division at Goeppingen and Bad Kreuznach, Germany. At the conclusion of his second tour in Germany, he was reassigned to Garrison Company Sandia Army Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the ensuing years that followed, Jim served in South Korea with the 1st Calvary, in Germany with the 1st of the 79th, at Fort Benning Georgia with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division and as Special Advisor in the Mekong Delta. In total, Jim's military career spanned more than two decades during which he earned the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike. His military awards include three Bronze Stars for meritorious service in a combat zone, as well as three Army Commendation medals and numerous individual, unit and campaign ribbons. Following his retirement from the Army in 1971, he and his wife Johanna made their home in Albuquerque, where they became founding members of the Edelweiss am Rio Grande German American Club. Through their involvement, they sought to preserve and share authentic German culture, cuisine, music, and dance with their adopted community. Jim served multiple terms on the club's governing board and contributed to numerous special committees. He and Johanna were also honored as Prince and Princess during the club's annual Fasching celebration, a cherished tradition akin to Mardi Gras. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Johanna Payne. He is survived by his three daughters, Patricia Payne, Cindy (Payne) Fallin and her husband Jim Fallin, and Sandra Payne and her husband Randy Jordan. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene (Payne) Parks, the sole remaining sibling of six, one brother and five sisters. Jim's legacy of service, strength, and kindness will be forever remembered by those whose lives he touched. His unwavering dedication to family, community, and country leaves an enduring impact that will not be forgotten. A celebration of Jim's and Johanna's lives is being planned for early February at Daniels Funeral Home in Albuquerque New Mexico. Details can be found at A burial ceremony with full military honors will take place at the National Cemetery Santa Fe New Mexico in March of 2025.
