BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More 160 more soldiers received medals for meritorious services they displayed in numerous encounters with New People’s Army in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.
Of the awardees, 106 are members of the 94th Infantry Battalion, whose hard work and successful military operations led to the neutralization of Romeo Nanta, regional commander of NPA in Negros Island who died in a firefight last month, in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.
The 94IB also facilitated the surrender of Javier Montecino, alias Jan Jan, who was involved in series of armed skirmishes with government troopers in Himamaylan City, surrendering two M-16 assault rifles.
Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, led the awarding of Military Merit Medals to 94IB soldiers during the recognition rites on November 12 held at Brgy. Tambo in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
Similar medals were also conferred by Arevalo to 54 officers and enlisted personnel of the 62nd Infantry Battalion at their headquarters in Brgy. LIbas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
The 62IB figured in two encounters with NPA rebels on October 22 and 29 in Brgy. Calupaan and Planas, both in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, that claimed the lives of two rebel combatants and the recovery of war materials.
Arevalo disclosed that the 160 soldiers were recognized for their professional competence and dedication to duty, displaying outstanding performance to accomplish their assigned tasks and responsibility and immediately contributing to the successful conduct of combat operations cities of Himamaylan and Guihulngan, in Negros Island.*
