A total of 160 soldiers received medals for the meritorious services they have displayed in numerous encounters with New People’s Army rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, and in Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.
Of the awardees, 106 are members of the 94th Infantry Battalion, whose hard work and successful military operations led to the neutralization of Romeo Nanta, regional commander of the NPA in Negros Island, who died in a firefight last month in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.
The 94IB also facilitated the surrender of Javier Montecino, alias Jan Jan, who was involved in the series of armed skirmishes with government troopers in Himamaylan City. Montecino also surrendered two M16 assault rifles to the Army.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, led the awarding of Military Merit Medals to 94IB soldiers during the recognition rites Saturday in Brgy. Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
Similar medals were also conferred by Arevalo to 54 officers and enlisted personnel of the 62nd Infantry Battalion at their headquarters in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
The 62IB figured in two encounters with NPA rebels Oct. 22 and 29, in Brgy. Calupaan and Planas, all in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, that claimed the lives of two rebel combatants and led to the recovery of war materials.
Arevalo said that the 160 soldiers were recognized for their professional competence and dedication to duty, displaying outstanding performance to accomplish their assigned tasks and responsibility, and immediately contributing to the successful conduct of combat operations in the cities of Himamaylan and Guihulngan in Negros Island./GB
