ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Army's 1st Infantry Division has awarded medals to six soldiers for their meritorious achievement in the campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Zamboanga del Sur.
Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, led the awarding ceremony Wednesday during his visit to Camp Sabido, Barangay Poblacion in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
The names of the awardees of military merit medal were not made public except that they belong to the 53rd Infantry Battalion based in Guipos.
“It is for their own security,” said Capt. Clint Antipala, 1st Infantry Division information officer.
The awardees were among the troops that clashed with the Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee on May 11 in Sitio Pisyo, Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.
The clash resulted in the death of two NPA rebels and the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles and other war materiel.
Ponio commended the 53rd Infantry Battalion and its troops for the recent accomplishments and its contributions in maintaining the peace and order in Zamboanga del Sur, especially during this time of the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
“Your efforts, valuable contributions, and accomplishments will always be recognized by this command. Let us continue with our relentless efforts in attaining our objectives while maintaining the level of excellence in everything we do,” Ponio said.
“You have stayed true to your maxim that excellence is not your standard but your way of life,” he added. (PNA)
Army fetes Zambo Sur 1ID troopers
By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
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