24 soldiers get medals for Ayungon clash

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Twenty-four members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army received medals last Tuesday for their exemplary performance of duties in combat operations, following a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) at the boundary of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental two weeks ago.

Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) gave them Military Commendation Medals (MCMs) during the awarding rites held at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

On July 13, the soldiers figured in an encounter with the NPA at the boundary of Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and upper Carol-an in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

It resulted in the killing of an alleged rebel identified as a certain “Joseph Pacheco” alias “Ka Emjay,” and recovery of an M16 rifle, an anti-personnel mine (landmine), several ammunitions, grenades, medical kits, backpacks, bandoleers, subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

Arevalo, in a press statement, said he will not stop recognizing the bravery of his men in the battlefield.

A person who is always appreciated will do more than what is expected,” he added.

The Army has given 249 medals to soldiers under the 303rd IBde for the 13 successful encounters against the terrorist NPAs in the province since Arevalo’s assumption as commander in October 2018.