• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead Division) yesterday honored 55 soldiers and policemen for bravery by awarding them with Military Merit Medals during an awarding rites held at the 94th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Brgy. Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander and concurrent acting chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Visayas Command, led the awarding of medals to 45 members of the 94IB and 10 police troopers of the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.
The 55 medal recipients figured in armed skirmishes with New People’s Army rebels on January 9 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, resulting in the recovery of five high powered firearms and explosives.
According to the 94IB, the encounter also claimed the life of a rebel combatant.
In a statement, Arevalo said the awards will serve as an inspiration for Army troopers to give their best and continue their commitment and dedication towards achieving just and lasting peace not only in Negros island, but Western and Central Visayas as well as.
He also attributed the 94IB accomplishments to the support and cooperation of residents in the community.
The soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion who recently figured in two separate armed clashes with rebels in Guihulngan City and Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, are also expected to receive similar medals.*
