NEGROS ORIENTAL, Sept. 10 (PIA) –- A total of 51 soldiers received medals for “demonstrating exemplary actions” during successful encounters against communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in the area of operations of 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander, pinned the Military Commendation Medals to the soldiers in an awarding rites held yesterday at the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) headquarters in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
It can be recalled that on Aug. 14, 2020, the scout platoon elements of 62IB, while conducting community security patrols, had two separate encounters with 35 members of communist NPA terrorists at Sitio Maluy-a and Sitio Tabago, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The series of encounters resulted to the death of one suspected NPA rebel, captured one NPA red fighter, both of whom are residents of Sitio Compound, Brgy Luz, Guihulngan City.
In the same encounter, the soldiers also rescued two female minors recruited by the NPA.
According to Army Capt. Kelvin Bayaban, civil military officer of 303 Infantry Brigade, the troops also recovered at the encounter site the following war materials: one rifle caliber .22 Carbine M1, one gauge 12 shotgun, two cal .45 pistols, and 140 rounds cartridge of 7.62mm Ball.
Bayaban said several cellular phones, three cartridge cases of 40mm high explosives, one unit commercial radio, one 20 rounder magazine, 22 rounds live ammunition of 5.56 mm, six rounds empty shells of 5.56 mm, five backpacks with personal belongings, one solar panel, 20 meters electric wire for IED, and half sack of rice were also recovered.
Pasaporte lauded the bravery and selfless dedication of the troops who secured and protected the communities in Guihulngan City.
"I want to recognize your efforts and may this simple recognition inspire you to do more and perform well on your next mission. The medal symbolizes your selfless dedication and bravery in protecting the people of Negros and the country against the enemies of the state who continue to make efforts to undermine our country," Pasaporte said in a press statement.
Speaking to the soldiers, he urged them to “continue your aggressive efforts without letup in going after the Communist NPA Terrorists and show to them the true grit of 62nd Infantry Battalion.” (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from 303IBde, 3ID, PA)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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