31 soldiers in Canlaon clash awarded

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), pins a Military Merit Medal (Spearhead Device) to one of the 31 soldiers for their exemplary performance in a clash with NPA rebels in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on July 26, during his visit at the 62nd IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental Monday. (Photo courtesy of 62nd IB)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Thirty-one personnel of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) were commended for their bravery in a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental last week.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), assisted by Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), pinned Military Merit Medals (Spearhead Device) on the soldiers for their exemplary performance, during Arevalo’s visit at the 62nd IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental last Monday.

The July 26 clash claimed the lives of three NPA rebels, including a mother and her daughter, and the recovery of five low powered firearms, a hand grenade, rifle grenade, four cellular phones, solar panels and subversive documents.

Arevalo lauded the 62nd IB for a job well done.

“As I promise, I will not get tired of awarding medals to deserving personnel and continuously acknowledging, appreciating and congratulating everyone for a job well done,” Arevalo said.

Your good leadership, good teamwork, and excellence will bring us better accomplishments in the future, Arevalo said.