74IB Completes Mission in Eastern Visayas, Strengthens Peace Efforts

The 74th Infantry “Unbeatable” Battalion (74IB) of the Philippine Army has completed its nearly three-year deployment in Eastern Visayas. The battalion will now return to its home unit, the 2nd Infantry Division, after formal send-off ceremonies were conducted by the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) on December 23, 2025, marking the end of its mission that began on February 17, 2023.

During its deployment, the 74IB played a crucial role in combating insurgency in various provinces in Eastern Visayas. According to official records from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), the battalion was responsible for neutralizing 164 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Additionally, the 74IB confiscated 69 firearms from the insurgent forces, discovered 37 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and destroyed 37 enemy locations.

These accomplishments significantly weakened the insurgents’ ability to carry out operations in Eastern Visayas region. The primary focus areas for the 74th Infantry Battalion were the towns of Mapanas, Palapag, Gamay and Lapinig in Northern Samar, where they initially operated under the 803rd Infantry Brigade. Their main task was to ensure the security of communities affected by the CPP-NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

On November 8, 2025, the battalion was reassigned to Leyte and Southern Leyte under the 802nd Infantry Brigade, where they continued to engage in combat and civil-military operations.

Military leaders emphasize that the battalion not only excelled in combat but also built strong relationships with local communities through peace and development programs. This community engagement was crucial to their overall success.

(Photo courtesy: 8ID Public Affairs Office)