A new chapter has begun for the 8th Infantry Division (ID).
The historic day unfolded on Saturday, September 28, at Camp Vicente Lukban, Brgy. Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar, as the Philippine Army conducted a double ceremony: The Change of Command for the 8th Infantry Division and the Retirement Ceremony honoring the outgoing commander.
Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, presided over the ceremony with the the lowering of the personal flag of the outgoing Commander, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, and raising of the personal flag of the incoming commander, Brigadier General Perfecto P. Peñaredondo, signifying the official change of command for the 8ID.
During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Galido presented MGen. Ligayo's exemplary service and dedication, highlighting his contributions to the division's success and the overall mission of the Philippine Army.
MGen. Ligayo, in his farewell speech, expressed his deep gratitude to the officers, soldiers of the 8ID and for all the people for their unwavering support and dedication during his service as the commander of the 8th ID.
The new acting Commander Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo is a distinguished graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Sambisig" Class of 1991 which brings extensive experience to his new role.
Prior to his appointment, Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo also served as Division Chief of Staff and Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade within the 8ID.
His leadership has been marked by significant achievements, particularly in the fight against insurgency.
Notably, during his tenure as Brigade Commander in 2022, Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo played an essential role in transforming the security landscape in Northern Samar, an area previously considered a communist stronghold or “hotbed”.
His leadership also led to victory during a fierce gun battle in upland Imelda Village, Las Navas, Northern Samar on November 23, 2022 which resulted in six enemy casualties and the recovery of 16 firearms.
Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo expressed his unwavering commitment to maintaining the 8ID's progress in internal security operations and to continuing the legacy of his predecessor in securing peace and progress in Region 8.
"Napakalaki na ng pinagbago sa kalagayan ng mga pamayanan na pinaglilingkuran ng ating mga kasundalohan sa bahaging ito ng ating minamahal na bansa. Ganon pa man, kailangan pa ring pag-ibayuhin ang mga kakayahan sa pagtugon sa ano mang hamon na haharapin ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. Patuloy tayong maging masigasig para mapanatili ang mapayapang rehiyon at lipunan dahil ito ang tunay na biyaya sa sangkatuhan," Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo said.
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Palo's MacArthur Park to reopen this month
"I shall return." Those were the famed words which the late American general Douglas MacArthur fulfilled when he reached the shores of Palo, Leyte on October 20, 1944.
And this year, in time for the 80th anniversary of the 80th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration, the provincial government of Leyte is set to fulfill another promise: that an “improved” MacArthur Park will reopen to tourists.
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said the local government-funded maintenance and rehabilitation of the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park that started last June 13 is “on track.”
“The plan is to make sure that it is up and running by October 20. People are disappointed to see it is closed, but we are making it worthwhile for our visitors,” Petilla told local media.
The governor said the park renovation is their priority since the site is considered a center of attraction for both visitors and locals.
Moreover, Petilla said this year’s commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings will be simple yet meaningful.
“It’s not going to be a big celebration. Ours is to commemorate, and to some extent, it will be noticed. We want to make sure that people still remember,” he added.
The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is situated on a 6.78-hectare area in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte, that features seven double-life-size bronze statues on a man-made pool depicting the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte province.
MacArthur Park was declared a national park on July 12, 1977, through Letter of Instructions No. 572 signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.
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