• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel turned Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) member and the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) were among the awardees during the 51st founding anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on May 30.
The Sagay City, Negros Occidental-based 79IB, headed by Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, was awarded the prestigious Commanding General’s Philippine Army (CGPA) Kalasag Streamer in recognition of the conduct of search, rescue, and retrieval operations during the Kanlaon Volcano phreatic eruption.
The CGPA Kalasag Streamer Award stands as a symbol of operational excellence, discipline, and mission readiness.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido led the awarding of outstanding units and soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division (ID) led by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson as well as civilian supporters.
“The CGPA streamer is not merely an accolade, but a testament to the collective effort, leadership, and dedication of officers, men and women of Masaligan troopers,” Calaoagan said in a statement.
The Outstanding CAA Award 2025 for 3ID was also awarded to CAA alias “Tyrone” in recognition of his exemplary performance, showcasing his ability, heroism, loyalty, and gallantry in action as a member of the Delta Company of 79IB.
His courageous deeds, contributed to the neutralization and defeat of the NPA Northern Negros Front, which was dismantled by the 79IB two years ago, according to the 3ID.
Galido also conferred a Kalasag Streamer award to the 6th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU).
The CGPA’s KALASAG Streamer Award is awarded to Philippine Army units that were directly involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during calamities that resulted in lives saved and/ or cadaver retrieved.
Through this award, the 6FSSU’s efforts for the search, rescue, and retrieval operations conducted in Negros Island Region after the phreatic eruption of Mt. Kanlaon volcano were recognized. | GB
