29 miltary troopers get medals

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City –A total of 29 military troopers of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) received medals for demonstrating exemplary actions during the encounter against the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists at Barangay Bantolinao, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental two weeks ago.

Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) led the pinning of Military Commendation Medals (MCM) during the awarding rites held at the barangay hall of Tambo village in Ayungon town, near the 94th IB headquarters Wednesday, October 16.

Last October 3, the soldiers clashed with about 20 NPA terrorists at Sitio Cabangahan at the said village in Manjuyod town, which resulted in a reported number of NPA casualties based on the bloodstains found in their position and route of withdrawal.

Arevalo, in his message to the troopers, said “the medals symbolize your bravery in facing the enemy.”

“We want to appreciate such efforts because a person who is appreciated will do more than what is expected,” he added.

The activity was also witnessed by the barangay officials of Tambo village led by Captain Ely Salimbagat, who also joined in the traditional military “boodle-fight” after the awarding ceremony.

Just three days ago, the same medals were also received by 16 military troopers of the 62nd IB and 17 police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-6, following two encounters in the cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental last week.

The 303rd IBde has already given a total of 314 medals to soldiers in Negros island.