BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion is reported to have neutralized nine New People’s Army red fighters, including two child warriors, and facilitated the surrender of 56 former rebels and supporters in central Negros.
Of the nine neutralized rebels, Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, disclosed that three of them died in gun battles, three were captured, two NPA child warriors rescued, and an injured NPA member surrendered, from January to April 21 this year, all which are under the Leonardo Panaligan Command.
Six firearms left behind by the fleeing rebels were also recovered, Pesase said, in a report of the 62nd Infantry Battalion.
He also attributed the surrender of 14 NPA regulars, five Militia ng Bayan and 37 of their supporters to intensified Civil-Military Operations and Local Peace Engagements.
On April 25, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, led the conferment of Military Merit Medals to 20 soldiers of the 62IB and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
Arevalo said that the award will serve as motivation for their continuous efforts to totally neutralize the NPA remnants in central Negros.
Pesase said he appreciates the initiative and untiring support of Gen. Arevalo in boosting the morale and welfare of 62IB troops.*
