• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Nine soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conferred medals by the Armed Forces of the Philippine Visayas Command (VISCOM) for their recent successful operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, VISCOM commander, led the conferment of two gold cross medals, two silver cross medals and four military merit medals to nine soldiers during his recent visit at the unit’s headquarters in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
They were recognized for their efforts of giving justice to families of civilian victims especially that of 74-year-old Leonora Anguit, who was killed by rebel remnants in February in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.
The death of Anguit was claimed by the NPA’s Armando Sumayang Jr. Command.
The March 21 encounter led to the death of Milky Sampini, Ritchie Verano, and Joedil Balsimo, all reportedly linked to death of Anguit, among others in southern Negros.
Army soldiers also recovered R4 assault rifle, two M16 rifles with M203 grenade launchers, a hand grenade, and various subversive documents.
During the awarding ceremony, Reyeg commended the 47IB troops for their courage and discipline, emphasizing the importance of passing on lessons learned from the engagement to younger soldiers.
He also stressed the need for Army soldiers of not allowing rebel remnants to recover their lost territories.
“The CPP-NPA cannot thrive without mass-based support. By cutting off that lifeline, we deny them the chance to regain their foothold and ensure Negros remains secure and free from their influence,” Reyeg said. | GB
