BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – A soldier wounded in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Buloc, Tubungan, Iloilo has been awarded for his bravery and heroism.
Private First Class Ronald Apiladas received a Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) from Colonel Erick Uchida, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Brigade.
“It is fitting to recognize the gallantry of our soldier who risked his life in combat in defense of our democracy,” said Uchida.
Apiladas, currently confined in a hospital here, was hit on his lower left extremities and hip.
“Soldiers wounded in action deserve the best medical care,” said Uchida.
Apiladas, together with other soldiers of the 82 Infantry Battalion (82IB), were conducting peace and security operations in Tubungan, Iloilo on Friday when they encountered a band of rebels.
The courage he showed and those of his companions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, said Uchida.
On the other hand, Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, cited the 82IB for bringing peace and development southern Panay Island.
“We have intensified our security operations. We will ensure that development efforts reach the barangays unhampered by lawless armed elements,” Guerrero said.
Two days before Apiladas was wounded, his troops also encountered rebels in Barangay Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo around 1:55 p.m.
According to Lieutenant Colonel, Aldwine Almase, commanding officer of the 82IB, his troops were conducting security operations in the said village when they were fired by rebels under the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal – Panay.
The firefight lasted for five minutes. The rebels withdrew to different directions.
Later, soldiers pursuing the insurgents discovered a rebel camp with an area of some 700 square meters.
It could accommodate around 100 persons and had three kitchens, foxholes, makeshift tents and a firing range./PN
