15 soldiers in Silay clash feted

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) has recognized the gallantry of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), following a clash against the New People’s Army (NPA) at Hacienda Raymunda, Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental on August 20, 2021.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander, conferred Military Commendation Medals (MCM) to 15 soldiers in recognition of their meritorious service and gallantry during his visit at the 79th IB headquarters in Sagay City on September 23.

Pasaporte lauded the awardees and challenged the military troopers to maintain operational momentum in order to end the local communist armed conflict in northern Negros by the end of President Rodrigo Duterts’s term.

“May this serve as a motivation to other personnel to strive more as you continue to do your share in the accomplishment of the unit’s mission,” Pasaporte said in his message.

He also encouraged the 79IB to be more proactive and to remain vigilant in terms of security to counter the act of violence and retaliatory actions of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) following the death of their comrades in the recent encounters.

The Silay encounter resulted in the death of a soldier and two NPA rebels, including a high-ranking official.

Meanwhile, Pasaporte during his visit was also briefed on the current security situation in northern Negros.