• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Philippine Army soldiers who fought in recent armed engagements with remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in southern Negros were recognized by the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
They were conferred medals by 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson during his visit to the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on May 3.
The troops were commended for their bravery and excellence in combat, in connection with the series of encounters in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on April 27.
The operations resulted in the neutralization of seven remnants of the dismantled NPA South East and South West Fronts, who died in the gunbattle and the recovery of six M16 assault rifles and KG9 automatic pistol with ammunition.
Another soldier, who was injured in an encounter with rebel remnants in Barangay Humay Humay, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on May 1, was separately conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal during the awarding rites at the 62IB headquarters in Barangay McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The soldier was wounded in action during a successful encounter with about nine remnants of the dismantled Central Negros Front, which resulted in the death of a suspected rebel and the recovery of M4 and M16 assault rifles with ammunition.
Samson said these accomplishments were not merely a tactical victory, but a significant blow to the recovery efforts of rebel remnants in Negros Island.
“Your actions have saved lives and significantly advanced our efforts to end local communist armed conflict. For this, you deserve not only medals but the heartfelt gratitude of the people of Negros. Let this achievement be a constant reminder that excellence in service is always recognized and that, as protectors of the people, we remain united in our purpose,” he told the awardees. | GB
