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81 soldiers in NegOcc receive commendation medals

By Nanette Guadalquiver

June 5, 2019, 5:19 pm

<p><strong>AWARDED.</strong> Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, pins the Military Commendation Medal on one of the troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Bato, Sagay City in Negros Occidental on Tuesday (June 4, 2019). The soldiers were recognized for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations against the New People’s Army.<em> (Photo courtesy of 303<sup>rd</sup> Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)</em></p>

AWARDED. Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, pins the Military Commendation Medal on one of the troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Bato, Sagay City in Negros Occidental on Tuesday (June 4, 2019). The soldiers were recognized for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations against the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 81 soldiers of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental were awarded the Military Commendation Medal (MCM) for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations against the New People’s Army (NPA).

The recipients included 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Barangay Bato, Sagay City in northern Negros, led by Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan. The 38 others belonged to the 62nd IB headquartered in Barangay Libas, Isabela town in central Negros, headed by Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos.

The awards were bestowed by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, in separate rites held at the soldiers’ respective headquarters on Tuesday.

Arevalo said in a statement on Wednesday that he recognized the soldiers’ commitment to the service, as well as their hard work and bravery, in fighting the NPA.

“As their commander, I ensure that their morale is high. Well-motivated and appreciated troops perform more than what is expected” he added.

On May 4, troops of the 62IB encountered communist rebels in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, resulting in the reported death of five NPA rebels and the apprehension of a member, who is a minor. They also recovered an anti-personnel mine, seven backpacks, personal items, and subversive documents.

Soldiers of the 79IB also engaged the rebels in Sitio Puting Tubig, Barangay Minautok in Calatrava town on May 15. The Army said reports from the people indicated that five terrorists were killed. The troops found a magazine with eight bullets for a Garand carbine rifle, foodstuff, and personal belongings.

In April, a total of 40 troopers of the two battalions also received the same awards for their successful operations against the communist rebels in Bindoy, Negros Oriental and Barangay Marcelo in Calatrava.

The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

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