Task Force Highlander

𝟖𝟔𝐈𝐁 𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐀 𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐊𝐀-𝟖𝟒 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐖 𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍: 𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐇𝐀𝐘

Buong dangal na nakibahagi ang mga kasundaluhan ng 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion sa paggunita ng ika-84 na Araw ng Kagitingan na ginanap sa Heritage Memorial Park, Brgy. Roxas, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya ngayong ika-9 ng Abril 2026, na may temang “Giting ng Bayani, Pamana sa Salinlahi.”

Ang aktibidad ay pinangunahan ni MGen Gulliver L. Siñeres, Commander, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army bilang panauhing pandangal at tagapagsalita. Nakiisa rin si BGen Rhoderick L. Parallag, Commander, 502nd Infantry Brigade, kasama si Ltc Rod A. Babaran Jr., Commanding Officer ng 86IB, at Ltc Paulo A. Espinosa, Director ng 203rd Community Defense Center. Ang nasabing aktibidad ay dinaluhan din ng mga kinatawan mula sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Nueva Vizcaya, Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Solano, Kagawaran ng Turismo, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Girl Scout of the Philippines Nueva Vizcaya Chapter, Sons and Daughter Association Inc., laang-kawal ng 203rd RRIBn, iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, at mga beterano sa pangunguna ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyang-diin ni MGen Siñeres na ang Araw ng Kagitingan ay hindi lamang pag-alala sa nakaraan kundi isang paalala at hamon sa kasalukuyan at sa hinaharap—na ang diwa ng kabayanihan ay dapat patuloy na isabuhay at ipamana sa susunod na henerasyon.

Ang Araw ng Kagitingan, na kilala rin bilang “Day of Valor o Bataan Day”, ay ginugunita bilang pag-alala sa kabayanihan ng mga sundalong pilipino noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, partikular ang pagbagsak ng Bataan noong ika-9 ng Abril taong 1942 at ang makasaysayang ‘Death March’ na kumitil sa libo-libong buhay ng mga sundalong pilipino.

Sa kasalukuyan, ito ay ginugunita bilang bahagi ng Philippine Veterans Week, kung saan patuloy na kinikilala ang mahalagang papel at sakripisyo ng mga beterano sa pagkamit ng kalayaan ng bansa.

Ang 86IB ay nananatiling matatag sa tungkulin nito na ipagtanggol ang mga komunidad sa area na nasasakupan at panatilihing buhay ang diwa ng kagitingan—hindi lamang sa alaala ng nakaraan, kundi sa bawat kilos at sakripisyo para sa kapayapaan at kinabukasan ng sambayanang pilipino.

“𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘪 𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘴 𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘢—𝘪𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘢, 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘺 𝘯𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯.” –𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨

𝟖𝟔𝐈𝐁 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒: 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝟓𝐈𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

The 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion proudly congratulates Cpl Rebecca C. Gonsoden for being recognized as the Outstanding Woman in Operations by the 5th Infantry Division. The award was presented by MGen Gulliver L. Señires, Division Commander together with BGen Romualdo Raymund B. Landingin, Assistant Division Commander.

Cpl Gonsoden demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty. Her performance reflects the high standards and professionalism upheld by every Highlander Trooper.

Through her competence and steadfast commitment, she has shown that women in uniform are fully capable of setting the standard in the demanding and challenging field of operations. Her achievement brings pride to the unit and serves as an inspiration to others who aspire to serve with the same level of excellence.

Her recognition highlights the vital role of women in service and nation-building, proving that determination and capability know no boundaries.

Congratulations, Cpl Gonsoden, on your well-deserved recognition!

“𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳.” – 𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨

𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐇𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐍𝐏𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐕𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐙𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐎

Former Rebels (FRs) from Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces led the National Day of Choosing Peace on 29 March 2026 at People’s Park, Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The activity was organized by Kindling Actions for Peace, Progress, and Inclusive Advocacies (KAPPIA), Inc., in support of the nationwide “We Choose Peace” Campaign under Executive Order No. 70 and the Whole-of-Nation Approach.

The program featured testimonies from Former Rebels from the Peasant, Indigenous Peoples, Women, and Youth sectors, who courageously shared their experiences in Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), highlighting the hardships and suffering faced by individuals and communities, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

Simultaneous community dialogues were also conducted in Brgy. Siguem, Kasibu; Brgy. Dulli, Ambaguio; and Brgy. Canabuan, Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya, and Brgy. Dissimungal and Brgy. Sangbay in Nagtipunan, Quirino. These discussions which were facilitated by the 86IB, strengthened community awareness and emphasized the role of every citizen in sustaining peace and security.

The activity culminated in a Peace Rally initiated and led by local officials, Former Rebels, former CTG supporters, and barangay residents, where participants openly expressed their rejection of the CPP-NPA-NDF and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and development.

This National Day of Choosing Peace proves that courage and unity triumph over violence. The 86IB commends the KAPPIA Inc. for their courage and leadership, celebrating this milestone as a shared victory in advancing lasting peace and security in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

"𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴—𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘳 - 𝘕𝘶𝘦𝘷𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘻𝘤𝘢𝘺𝘢, 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴—𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦." —𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙡𝙮𝙡𝙚𝙚 𝙁𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙧, 𝙆𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙄𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 2 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩








📸Kappia Nueva Vizcaya

𝟖𝟔𝐈𝐁 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐗 “𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐇𝐀𝐍” 𝟎𝟑–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

The 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army successfully participated the Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) “Katihan” 03–2026 conducted from 19 February to 18 March 2026 in Paredes Air Station, Brgy. Sapat, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

The exercise tested and evaluated the Battalion’s capability in the conduct of External Security Operations or Territorial Defense Operations, while validating the Philippine Army’s Combined Arms capability to rapidly project and deploy forces and sustain operations in support of the Land Defense Concept (LDC).

During the exercise, the participating units operated in a unified training environment, integrating maneuver, fire support, intelligence, command and control, protection, and sustainment functions. Activities included live-fire drills, command post exercises, intelligence-driven operations, and operational support rehearsals, all conducted under a realistic environment and controlled conditions. The exercise enhanced the unit’s warfighting capabilities, improved command and control efficiency, and strengthened the troops’ ability to respond effectively to dynamic operational situations.

The Battalion staff implemented the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) throughout the exercise, resulting to a deliberate planning and improved synchronization of operations. This contributed to timely and sound decision-making aligned with mission requirements. Leadership development among small-unit leaders was further strengthened, improving their ability to make timely decisions, particularly under combat pressure where effective leadership is essential in integrating Army combat power.

Through CATEX “Katihan”, the 86IB enhanced its operational coordination, reinforced teamwork, and improved its overall responsiveness. The training has made the Battalion more capable, adaptive, and prepared for the ex*****on of operational tasks.

The successful completion of the exercise underscores the 86IB’s high state of readiness and its commitment to maintaining a capable and responsive force.

“𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦.” – 𝙇𝙩. 𝘾𝙤𝙡. 𝙍𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙤 𝘼. 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙅𝙧., 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧, 86𝙄𝘽, 5𝙄𝘿, 𝙋𝘼


-2026

𝟖𝟔𝐈𝐁 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐏𝐏-𝐍𝐏𝐀-𝐍𝐃𝐅 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

As the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marks its 57th founding anniversary, the 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion continues its efforts to counter the Communist Terrorist Group’s propaganda. In line with this, the 86IB, in coordination with the Barangay and Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs), facilitated Community Dialogues and Peace Rallies on 26 December 2025 for the residents of Brgy. Ammoweg and Brgy. Dulli, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya, and Brgy. Dissimungal, Nagtipunan, Quirino. The activities supported the communities’ united stand against the CPP-NPA-NDF and their violent insurgent activities.

During the dialogues, the participants were informed about the deceptive recruitment tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF, provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). These discussions aimed to raise awareness and empower them to resist insurgent influence. The forums provided a platform for the community to share experiences, voice objections to armed groups, and collectively reaffirm their commitment to lawful and peaceful initiatives, strengthening trust and cooperation between residents and local authorities.

The Peace Rally concluded with the symbolic burning of CPP-NPA-NDF flags, demonstrating the communities’ collective rejection of violent extremism and their commitment to peace, unity, and development. Informational leaflets were also distributed to reinforce awareness and provide guidance on lawful reintegration programs.

The strong participation of residents from all three barangays reflects a clear and united choice of peace over conflict. The 86IB continues to support communities as facilitators, advancing the whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict and fostering a secure, peaceful, and prosperous future for all.

“The CPP-NPA-NDF thrives on lies, threat and intimidation, but today our communities have shown their courage to stand against propaganda and violence, affirming their commitment to a safe and prosperous future.” — Lt. Col. Babaran Jr., Commanding Officer, 86IB, 5ID, PA

𝟖𝟔𝐈𝐁 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐜𝐚𝐲𝐚

As part of its continuing efforts to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable reintegration, the 86th Infantry “Highlander” Battalion successfully facilitated an Amnesty Caravan for the processing of amnesty applications of Former Rebels in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. The activity was conducted in coordination with the National Amnesty Commission–Local Amnesty Board (NAC–LAB), Gamu, Isabela, headed by Mr. Lucky O. Javellana, Peace Program Officer III, ensuring that every step of the process was clear and well-supported.

The Amnesty Caravan enabled the applicants to apply for their Safe Conduct Pass and complete all documentary requirements necessary for their amnesty application, which underscores the Whole of Government and Whole-of-Nation approach in addressing the roots of conflict and fostering inclusive peace.

One of the highlights of the activity was the awarding of assistance in various forms by partner national and local agencies, reflecting strong inter-agency cooperation and shared responsibility in reintegration efforts. These agencies are the Office of the Vice President – Cagayan Valley Satellite Office, Provincial Local Government of Nueva Vizcaya, DSWD–Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Nueva Vizcaya, Provincial Department of Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Nueva Vizcaya, Provincial Agriculturist – Nueva Vizcaya, and Dr. Crisol Catalino of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). Moreover, agencies such as the Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO), the Congressional District of Nueva Vizcaya, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)–Bayombong, and Kindling Actions for Peace, Progress, and Advocacies, Inc. (KAPPIA) also presented their programs and assistance for the former rebels to avail of.

The successful conduct of the Amnesty Caravan is a testament to the strength of inter-agency collaboration in advancing peace and sustainable development in the communities. It is a reminder that lasting peace is built on unity, compassion, and shared responsibility.

The activity concluded with a boodle fight, bringing together all participants, applicants, and partner agencies in a spirit of camaraderie and shared celebration, reinforcing the bonds of community and cooperation fostered throughout the day.

“𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵—𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.” – 𝙇𝙩. 𝘾𝙤𝙡. 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝙅𝙧., 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧, 86𝙄𝘽, 5𝙄𝘿, 𝙋𝘼