• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two military officers and three enlisted personnel assigned at the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion were conferred recently with Silver Wing Medals, in recognition of their accomplishments during successful aerial flight and operations during a series of encounters last month with remnants of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
The award was given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for “meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight and a single act of merit for participation in sustained operations activities against the enemy, while in aerial flight.”
At the same time, cash assistance was also given to four Army soldiers who were injured dyring the series of Escalante gun battles that also resulted in the killing of three rebel remnants and recovery of 21 firearms, a statement from the 79IB said.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan led the pinning of the 79IB unit seal to newly assigned officers and enlisted personnel to his unit, and honored retiring SSgt. Wave Mabit for his exemplary service and dedication to duty.
The pinning of the Masaligan seal signifies the unit’s acceptance of the newly assigned officers and enlisted personnel, and encourages them to be steadfast in attaining the unit’s mission in sustaining the gains for a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in northern Negros, according to Calaoagan.*
