• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Army soldiers who distinguished themselves in recent armed engagements with remnants of the New People’s Army in southern Negros, were conferred medals by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, during his visit on May 3 to the 47th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
They were recognized by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division for their bravery and excellence in combat, in connection with the series of encounters on April 27 in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, which resulted in the neutralization of seven remnants of the dismantled South East and South West Fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, who died in the gunbattle, and the recovery of six M16 assault rifles and a KG9 automatic pistol with ammunition.
Another Army soldier, who was injured in an encounter with rebel remnants in Brgy. Humay Humay, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on May 1, was separately conferred with the Wounded Personnel Medal during awarding rites at the 62IB headquarters in Barangay McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The soldier was wounded in action during an armed encounter with about nine remnants of the dismantled Central Negros Front, which resulted in the death of one suspected rebel, and the recovery of M4 and M16 assault rifles with ammunition.
Congratulating the awardees for a job well done, Maj. Gen. Samson said the accomplishment was not merely a tactical victory, but a significant blow to the recovery efforts of rebel remnants in Negros Island.
“Your actions have saved lives and significantly advanced our efforts to end local communist armed conflict. For this, you deserve not only medals but the heartfelt gratitude of the people of Negros. Let this achievement be a constant reminder that excellence in service is always recognized—and that, as protectors of the people, we remain united in our purpose,” he told the awardees.
The separate awarding rites were also attended by Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, and commanders of the 47th and 62nd Infantry Battalions, among other military officers.*
