LT. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Major Gen. Michael Samson awarding one of the two wounded soldiers. (3rd ID)
ILOILO CITY – Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete awarded two soldiers wounded in recent encounters with suspected communist rebels in Negros Island.
The two soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) were conferred the Military Merit Medal while recuperating in Camp Peralta, the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) in Jamindan, Capiz.
Nafarrete commended them for their bravery and espousing highest standards of military service.
One of them was hurt in the April 19 clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental where 19 alleged NPA rebels were killed. Among the fatalities were a journalist, a student leader, and two Americans. The other soldier was wounded in an April 6 gun battle in Toboso.
The awarding was part of the highlight of the 3rd ID’s 52nd anniversary.
“May we continue to carry the same fire that our predecessors once carried—not of war, but of purpose; not of conflict, but of commitment. Let us remain steadfast as guardians of peace, builders of trust, and partners of the people we serve,” said Major Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander.
“At the end of every mission, every sacrifice, and every success, one truth will always remain: The strength of the 3rd ID lies not only in its arms, but in its heart, its unity, and its unyielding service to the Filipino people,” added Samson.
The 3rd ID is the main Army unit covering the islands of Panay, Negros, and Siquijor in the Visayas.