By Mike Crismundo
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City - The commanding general of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID), Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal honored 10 wounded Army soldiers admitted at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH), in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, May 25.
4th ID chief Maj. Gen, Franco Nemesio M. Gacal pins the merit medal to a wounded soldier admitted at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. (4th ID-PAO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)
The 4th ID chief individually pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to an officer and nine enlisted personnel for their gallantry in action and acts of heroism while serving the people of Caraga region and Northern Mindanao region.
Assistant Division commander Brig. Gen. Oliver T. Veslino and Division’s Assistant Chief of Staff Col. Roy Anthony C Derillo accompanied the 4th ID Chief.
The WPM awardees included 1st Lt. Jobert A Acut, Corporal Crisanto B. Acar, Cpl. Joselito C Arsenas, Cpl. James G. Ylanan of 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division placed operational control to 4ID, during an encounter against some 20 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at the hinterland areas of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last week (May 19).
The other WPM awardees were Staff Sergeant Aristio A. Ampoloquio, Cpl. Nieljohn O Arandela, Private First Class Richard G. Tagunan, PFC. Jambie A. Patilan and PFC. Virgel A Batle who sustained gunshot wounds during a gun battle against threat groups terrorizing civilians in the 4th ID area of responsibility.
The WPM is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AF) who are injured or wounded in combat in a legitimate encounter against the enemy.
The 4th ID battle casualties also received food packs and vitamins for their swift recovery.