ILOILO CITY—The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army has been awarded for outstanding combat operations that neutralized 16 communist rebels last year in Iloilo province.
Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commanding general, received the award from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza during the 125th anniversary celebrations at Camp Bonifacio in Manila.
To recall, the 3ID led an offensive operation against almost 70 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Miag-ao town last December 1, 2021.
The 3ID had utilized both air assets and ground artillery. Recovered from the encounter site were three M-16 rifles, AK-47 assault rifle, four land mines, hand grenade, projector, detonating cords and several subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Arevalo explained that the offensive operation against the NPA was thwarting the possible major attack of the NPA rebels as part of the preparation for the 53rd founding anniversary of its political unit, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), last December 26, 2021.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) augmented troops of the 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB) and 61st Infantry Battalion (61 IB) in going after almost 70 NPA rebels in Barangay Alimodias.
“This award is also dedicated to the peace loving people of Western and Central Visayas. They serve as our inspiration in our unflinching commitment in serving the people and securing the land,” added Arevalo.