Maj. Gen. Michael G. Samson pins a medal on one of the soldiers.*
A total of 120 soldiers in Negros Island were recognized for their “bravery and excellence” in combat during an awarding ceremony at the 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion headquarters in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, on Saturday, May 3.
Maj. Gen. Michael G. Samson, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commander, pinned medals on 14 officers and 106 enlisted personnel of the 47IB who distinguished themselves in recent successful engagements with remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island, Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, 3ID spokesperson, said Monday, May 5.
The ceremony honored troops involved in an encounter that took place in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on April 27.
The clash involved soldiers from the 11th, 15th, and 47th Infantry Battalions, and remnants of the dismantled South East Front (SEF) and South West Front (SWF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros (KR–N).
The engagements resulted in the deaths of seven NPA rebels identified as Jhonrey Mejares – a political Instructor/guide, Glendel Tinio Mejares -medical officer and Charity Amacan – squad leader and former secretary of South East Front;
Reniel Locsin Cellon alias Kumpol – former commanding officer, Mary Jane Maguilat – vice squad leader, Jhon Isidor Supelanas alias Dalia – political instructor, and alias Pitong – medical officer, all of the South West Front, Lamzon said.
A wounded soldier from the 62IB also received the Wounded Personnel Medal from Samson during an awarding ceremony held at the 62IB headquarters at Camp Tirambulo, Barangay McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The soldier was wounded in action during an encounter with about nine remnants of the Central Negros 1 (D), KR–N, which resulted in the death of rebel in Barangay Humay-Humay, Guihulngan City, on May 1, Lamzon added.
Samson said the accomplishment of the soldiers was not merely a tactical victory, but a significant blow to the NPA remnants on Negros Island.
“Your actions have saved lives and significantly advanced our efforts to end local communist armed conflict. For this, you deserve not only medals but the heartfelt gratitude of the people of Negros,” Samson told the soldiers.*