BUTUAN CITY – The chief of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) visited and conferred "wounded personnel medals" to the two soldiers who were wounded in action during an encounter with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on July 20 in the hinterlands of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.
In a statement Wednesday, 901Bde said Col. George Banzon conferred the medals Tuesday to PFCs Kevin Cabugsa and Isagani de Guzman who are recuperating at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.
A female NPA rebel was killed and various high-power firearms and ammunition were recovered by the Army during Monday’s firefight in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria.
Banzon commended the servicemen for their "heroism and bravery".
“Our injured soldiers took the risks and fought gallantly to preserve peace in Surigao del Norte. As professional soldiers, we are and will forever be grateful for their selfless service,” Banzon said.
He added that the "acts of bravery of the soldiers" serve as a reminder to all residents in the province of the peace they enjoy because of the people who are willing to sacrifice their lives.
The wounded personnel medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are injured or killed in combat.
In an earlier statement, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, commander of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion that engaged the rebels, also lauded the "gallantry of the two wounded soldiers."
“The lives of our soldiers are always at stake but it is our job to protect the communities from terrorist abuse,” Callanta said.
He condoled with the family of the female NPA rebel who was killed in the encounter. (PNA)
Army brigade chief visits wounded soldiers in Surigao Norte
By Alexander Lopez
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