MERIT MEDAL. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, pins the Military Merit Medal on a soldier of the 94th Infantry Battalion, who was among those who fought during the series of armed encounters with the CPP-NPA rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last month, during the ceremony at the battalion headquarters in Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Saturday (Nov. 12, 2022). Some 106 officers and enlisted personnel from the unit received the award. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 160 officers and enlisted personnel from two battalions of the Philippine Army in Negros Island received the Military Merit Medal over the weekend for their successful combat operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels last month.
During his visit to Negros on Saturday, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division chief, awarded medals to 54 troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Isabela, Negros Occidental and to 106 soldiers of the 94th IB in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
On Oct. 22, troops of 62IB clashed with fighters of the NPA Central Negros 1 in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, resulting in the death of rebels Michael Asuncion and Marlon Albino.
Another encounter transpired a week later in Barangay Planas.
In his message, Arevalo commended the personnel of 62IB for their selfless service and living up to the Army soldiers’ tradition of dedication, bravery, and valor.
“Your commitment and passion for service, and your dedication to the community make them safe against the threat and deception of the CPP-NPA,” he told the troops.
At the 94IB headquarters, Arevalo acknowledged the troops for their vital role and hard work in combat operations during the series of encounters with the CPP-NPA in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
The battalion lost two of its men --Corporals Christian Drilon and Rex Verde-- but the clashes also led to the death of Romeo Nanta, also known as “Juanito Magbanua”, the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, and spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, in Sitio Medel, Barangay Carabalan on Oct. 10.
On Oct. 19, NPA rebel Javier Montecino surrendered to the 94IB troops.
“I commend the troops for their courage and bravery in protecting and securing the people of Himamaylan against the communist-terrorists,” Arevalo said.
The series of skirmishes, which started on Oct. 6, affected more than 18,000 residents of Carabalan and Cabadiangan, and a part of Barangay 3.
Of the number, at least 3,000 individuals sought shelter in various evacuation sites, with hundreds of Carabalan residents the last to return home on Oct. 19. (PNA)
