BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Fifty-one soldiers of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion yesterday received Military Commendation Medals for demonstrating exemplary actions during encounters with New People’s Army rebels on Aug. 14 in Negros Oriental.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, led the awarding of medals yesterday to 51 Army soldiers in rites held at the 62IB headquarters in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.
The soldiers were recognized for their exemplary actions during an encounter in sitios Tabago and Maluy-a in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, that led to the death of a suspected NPA rebel, capture of a Red fighter and the rescue of two minors, who are rebel recruits.
The 62Ib soldiers also recovered a caliber 22 Carbine M1 rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun, two .45 caliber pistols, 140 rounds of M60 machine gun, three 40mm high explosives and a commercial two-way radio, among others.
Pasaporte lauded the 62IB troops for their bravery and for protecting the communities of Guihulngan City from the local terrorist group.
He also ordered the 62IB to continue their aggressive efforts against the NPA remnants without any let up.
The medal symbolizes your selfless dedication and bravery in protecting the people of Negros and the country against the enemies of the state, Pasaporte told the 62IB soldiers during the awarding rites.*
