CEBU CITY – Soldiers walked up the stage one after another and received medals during an awarding ceremony on Tuesday, September 12, at the headquarters of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.
The event, however, was not just for the gallant soldiers as two awardees stood out, getting their own medals for their contributions in the government’s campaign against insurgency.
Canines “Mugie” and “Puti” had their fair share of limelight when they were also feted for their dedication and loyalty as Army tracker dogs.
ARMED Forces-Visayas Command chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo confers medals to Army tracker dogs ‘Mugie’ during an awarding ceremony at the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental on Tuesday, September 12. (Viscom)
“Mugie and Puti are not just dogs, they are soldiers. Like any other soldier, they too deserve to be recognized for their significant contributions. They manifest a high sense of loyalty and dedication to duty. When needed, they too would be willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country and people,” Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Armed Forces-Visayas Command chief, said.
Mugie and Puti were conferred with Military Working Dog Achievement Medals.
Arevalo said that as Army tracker dogs, Mugie and Puti played a major role in a recent pursuit operation that led to the discovery of the cadaver of a New People’s Army terrorist, an M653 rifle, four anti-personnel mines, and subversive documents.
The operation was conducted on August 26 in Sitio Taleo, Barangay Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
ARMED Forces-Visayas Command chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo confers medals to Army tracker dogs 'Puti' during an awarding ceremony at the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental on Tuesday, September 12. (Viscom)
During the awarding ceremony, Arevalo awarded Gold Cross Medals and Silver Cross Medals to 46 personnel – six officers, 38 enlisted personnel, and two CAFGU Active Auxiliary.
“In Team Viscom, every member of our fighting force is an integral part of the organization. As such, it is imperative to recognize and honor every member’s untiring effort and selfless sacrifice to ensure that peace will reign and the democratic way of life is sustained throughout the Visayas region,” Arevalo told the 302nd during the “Talk to the Troops” program.
Arevalo urged the brigade to sustain the gains against the Community Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA.
“We have achieved significant gains in our campaign against the CPP-NPA. We have delivered devastating blows and caused irreparable damage to the terrorist group. Let us sustain our gains and continue performing our mandate with high efficacy to neutralize the menace of the CPP-NPA at the soonest possible time,” Arevalo said.