JTF Spear, 301st Brigade cited for ‘NPA defeat’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Spear and the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade were recognized for their significant role in dismantling the New People’s Army’s (NPA) striking force in Panay Island.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Armed Forces of the Philippines Campaign Streamer Award to JTF Spear and the 301st IB during a ceremony held at AFP headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Dec. 19.

The awarding rites were part of the AFP’s 90th anniversary celebration, themed “Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.”

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, JTF Spear commander, and Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Brigade, personally received the award.

According to the 3rd Infantry Division, several AFP units were recognized for successfully dismantling various guerrilla fronts in their areas of operation, significantly contributing to the AFP’s overall campaign against Communist Terrorist Groups.

It may be recalled that on Jan. 15, 2024, the 3rd ID also received the same award during the Year-End 2023 Command Conference, which highlighted the division’s consistent operational gains and sustained peace and security efforts in the region.

Meanwhile, Samson thanked the president for the recognition, emphasizing that the AFP Campaign Streamer Award is a testament to the collective efforts, discipline, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Spearhead Troopers.

He added that the achievement was made possible through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, strong interagency coordination, and the active support of local government units and communities that chose peace and development over violence.