BACOLOD CITY – The Army 303rd Infantry Brigade honored three soldiers wounded in an encounter with the New People’s Army in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna, Toboso, Negros Occidental this week.
BRIG. Gen. Ted Dumosmog (second from right), commander of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, accompanied by Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan (right), 79th Infantry Battalion chief, pins a Wounded Personnel Medal to a soldier wounded in an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental during a visit on Friday, March 21. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB)
Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, 303rd IBde commander, accompanied by Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion, pinned the Wounded Personnel Medals to the three soldiers – corporal, private first class, and private – during their visit to a hospital here where they are recuperating on Friday, March 21.
The awarding was witnessed by Jerthel Gange of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-6 (Western Visayas).
“Despite their wounds, the soldiers displayed unwavering courage in fulfilling their sworn duty,” the 79th IB said.
The 79th IB said one of them volunteered to immediately return to the battlefield and continue the operation to emphasize their unwavering commitment in ensuring the safety and security of communities in the province.
The gun battle displaced 122 families and suspended classes in two barangays for two days. Authorities have cleared the encounter site and residents have returned to their homes.