BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 174 soldiers and members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Negros island were recognized for their outstanding performances and dedication to duty that led to several significant accomplishments in the island.
Of the figure, 159 were personnel of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and 94th IB.
They received a Military Merit Medal (MMM) from Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) at their respective battalion headquarters on Saturday, Nov. 12. Fifteen CAAs were also awarded.
Arevalo visited the 62nd IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, and the 94th IB headquarters in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
It can be recalled that the 62nd IB was engaged in a series of encounters in Negros Oriental with rebels that resulted in the death of two members of Central Negros (CN) 1, Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) of the New People’s Army (NPA) and seizure of war materiels in Barangay Calupaan and Barangay Planas, both in Guihulngan City, on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29, respectively.
The 94th IB facilitated the surrender of an NPA member who was involved in series of encounters in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last month.
The said clashes also resulted in the death of a high-ranking NPA leader in Romeo Nanta alias ‘Juanito Magbanua’ in Barangay Carabalan on Oct. 12. It likewise resulted in the recovery of firearms and other war materials in the village on October 19.
The awarding ceremony was held to recognize the heroic achievement of the troops as well as the time-honored responsibility of securing the communities they served.
In his message, Arevalo lauded the troops for their selfless service, commitment, and passion.