• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines honored the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (Joint Task Force Spear) and 301st Infantry Brigade, in recognition of their significant contribution to the dismantling of the New People’s Army striking force in Panay Island, during its 90th founding anniversary held on December 19 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, assisted by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, conferred the AFP Campaign Streamer Award to Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3ID commander and JTF Spear head, and Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, 301st Infantry Brigade commander.
Other AFP units across the country were also recognized for successfully dismantling various guerrilla fronts in their respective areas of operation, significantly contributing to the AFP’s overall victory against the New People’s Army.
In January last year, the same award was also received by the 3ID during the Year-End 2023 Command conference, highlighting the consistent operational gains and sustained peace and security efforts of AFP units in the region at the General Headquarters, a statement from its Public Affairs Office said.
Samson expressed his gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for the recognition, underscoring that the AFP Campaign Streamer Award is a testament to the collective efforts, discipline, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Spearhead Troopers.
“This achievement was made possible through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, strong inter-agency coordination, and the active support of local government units and communities who chose peace and development over violence,” he added.
The 3ID supervises three Army infantry brigades operating in Panay and Negros Islands.*
