• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) who were wounded in a clash in Escalante City, Negros Occidental were recognized for their bravery and service on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 3rd Infantry Division (ID) commander, conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal on the two soldiers during a ceremony in Bacolod City.
The two soldiers, both members of the 79IB’s Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program team, were injured during an encounter with New People’s Army remnants in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog while conducting a security patrol on Sept. 29.
The 3ID also extended financial assistance to the wounded soldiers and their families to help with household needs during their recovery.
Escanillas said the medal symbolizes the soldiers’ bravery, dedication and selfless service in protecting communities and maintaining peace.
He also stressed that the Army’s responsibility to its personnel continues beyond operations, saying the welfare and recovery of wounded soldiers and the needs of their families remain a priority. | GPB
