AFP chief for Visayas honors fallen comrades, awards medals to soldiers

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) awarded Gold Cross medals to four personnel of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) for their gallantry in accomplishing the unit’s mission of protecting the Negrenses and bringing peace and development in the area.

Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, commander of AFP for the Visayas, led the awarding rites and wreath-laying ceremony for fallen soldiers at the 11th IB headquarters in Barangay Salag, Siaton, Negros Oriental yesterday.

The Gold Cross medals were awarded to Corporal Dennis Enalao, Corporal Raymundo Tanilon, Corporal Richard Rafols, and Private First Class Ramer Maceda, according to Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID).

Pancito said the recognition is one of the highest awards given to a soldier for bravery.

Retired soldiers were also recognized by the 11th IB for their contribution in putting the unit on the pedestal of success.

Ancan, a former member of the 11th IB, served as an Executive-Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the batallion in 1988 and Executive-Officer/ Platoon Leader of Delta Company 11th IB in 1989.

He also served as the Commanding Officer of Charlie Company 11th IB from 1990 to 1991.

“This battalion is where I started my military service, thus, I feel privileged to go back and reminisce the years of service fighting for humanity,” Ancan said.

Ancan also bestowed the Central Command streamer to 11th IB for the exemplary performance that significantly contributed to the attainment of the mission of the Central Command.

A Plaque of Kapayapaan was also given by the Central Command to 11th IB and 302nd BDE for successfully dismantling the Southeast Front of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (SEF, KR NCBS).