• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and 301st Infantry Brigade in recognition of their significant contribution to the dismantling of the New People’s Army (NPA) striking force in Panay Island.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., assisted by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, conferred the AFP Campaign Streamer Award to Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3ID commander, and Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, during the AFP 90th founding anniversary held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Dec. 19.
Other AFP units across the country were also recognized for successfully dismantling various guerrilla fronts in their respective areas of operation, significantly contributing to the AFP’s overall victory against the NPA.
In January last year, the same award was received by the 3ID during the Year-End 2023 Command conference, highlighting the consistent operational gains and sustained peace and security efforts of AFP units in the region, a statement from the AFP Public Affairs Office said.
Samson expressed his gratitude to the President for the recognition, underscoring that the AFP Campaign Streamer Award is a testament to the collective efforts, discipline, professionalism, and sacrifices of the 3ID troopers.
“This achievement was made possible through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, strong inter-agency coordination, and the active support of local government units and communities who choose peace and development over violence,” he added.
The 3ID supervises three infantry brigades operating in Panay and Negros. | GB
