By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Negros Occidental received recognition for dismantling the Northern Negros Front (NNF)-Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (NNF, KR-NCBS).
Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, commander of Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assisted by Colonel Michael Samson, deputy brigade commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) awarded the Campaign Streamer Award and “Gawad Kalinaw” plaque to the 79th IB, in rites held at the 79th IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City last Tuesday.
Ancan lauded the troopers for their relentless efforts that led to the dismantling of the Guerilla Front operating in northern Negros.
“Now that you have achieved your goal, your next mission is to protect the gains, prevent the rebel’s recovery efforts and sustain the peace and development in northern Negros,” Ancan said in his message, as he thanked them for their untiring dedication and contribution to the accomplishment of the Central Command’s mission.
“Let these gains serve as an inspiration for us to strive more, not only to win the peace but to pave the way for new opportunities to the Negrenses,” he added.
Ancan also awarded five military troopers with Silver Cross Medal for their gallantry during the conduct of several focused military operations.
For his part, Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, 79th IB commander, also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the previous batallion commanders of 79th IB for the efforts they put into in dismantling the NNF.
“We are very much honored for this award, and this would not be made possible without the support of our stakeholders and constituents of northern Negros”, Javines said.
