BACOLOD City – Military merit medals with a bronze Spearhead device were awarded to 43 soldiers and 11 CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) Active Auxiliary (CAA) of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB).
It was in recognition of their heroic achievements during encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental in October this year.
Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army (PA), headed the pinning ceremony at the 62IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental on Nov. 12.
The medals were for the 62IB’s contributions to the 303rd Brigade’s anti-insurgency efforts, which resulted in the death of Romeo Nanta alias “Juanito Magbanua”, spokesperson of Kometing Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor, on Oct. 7, 2022 at Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
Also killed were Michael Asuncion and Marlon Albino, identified as NPA rebels, as well as the recoveries of a 12-gauge shotgun; three .45 pistols; a .9mm pistol; a hand grenade; two commercial handheld radios; a cellular phone; four backpacks; personal belongings; food left overs; and subversive documents, a military press statement stated.
“I would like to congratulate you for a job well done. This is an indication of the quality of the unit in terms of leadership, teamwork and excellence. I’m happy that you are living with those values here in 62IB,” said Arevalo.
“Let’s keep our aggressiveness to run after these remaining armed groups and I’m sure that you will be able to accomplish our mission here on Negros Island,” he added.
Meanwhile, 106 soldiers of the 94th IB in Ayungon, Negros Oriental also received the same merit medals.
Arevalo acknowledged the troops for their vital role and hard work in combat operations during the series of encounters with the CPP-NPA in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental./PN
