BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Army K9 dogs named “Orly” and “Otep” joined 40 soldiers who were honored by the 3rd Infantry Division during awarding rites held at the 15th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Brgy. Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on June 17.
Conferred with Military Merit Medals by Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, were forty soldiers of the 15th Infantry Battalion, including two officers, were who were involved in an encounter with a group of fully armed New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Tigmaya, Brgy. Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental, on May 3.
The encounter resulted in the death of a teenage rebel warrior, recovery of an M16 assault rifle, an anti-personnel mine and components in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices, among other war materials.
A similar medal was also given to the two Army K9 dogs.
Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, 15IB commander, said that the medals received by his troops have boosted their morale, and who will strive to give their best for the Negrenses and the government’s commitment to achieving just peace and prosperity.
Arevalo also commended the 15IB for their efforts in putting pressure on the NPA remnants through Focused Military Operations.*
