• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A former New People’s Army rebel turned Cafgu Active Auxilliary member and the 79th Infantry Battalion in northern Negros were among the awardees during the 51st founding anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Division on May 30 at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
The 79IB headed by Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan was awarded with the prestigious Commanding General’s Philippine Army (CGPA) KALASAG Streamer, in recognition of the conduct of search, rescue and retrieval operations during the Kanlaon Volcano phreatic eruption.
The CGPA Kalasag Streamer Award stands as a symbol of Operational Excellence, Discipline, and Mission Readiness.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido led the awarding of outstanding units and soldiers of 3ID led by Major General Michael Samson, including civilian supporters.
The CGPA Streamer is not merely an accolade, but a testament to the collective effort, leadership, and dedication of officers, men and women of Masaligan Troopers, Lt. Col. Calaoagan said in a statement.
The Outstanding CAA Award 2025 for 3ID was also awarded to a CAA “Tyrone” in recognition of his exemplary performance, showcasing his ability, heroism, loyalty, and gallantry in action as a member of Delta Company of 79IB.
His courageous deeds contributed to the neutralization and defeat of Northern Negros Front, which was dismantled by the 79IB two years ago, according to the 3ID.
Lt. Gen. Galido also conferred another KALASAG Streamer award to 6th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU).
The CGPA’s KALASAG Streamer Award is awarded to Philippine Army units that were directly involved in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations during calamities that resulted in lives saved and/ or cadaver retrieved.
Through this award, the 6FSSU’s efforts for the search, rescue, and retrieval operations conducted in Negros Island Region after the onslaught of the phreatic eruption of Mt. Kanlaon volcano was recognized.*
