Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. has lauded the troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) who engaged the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in a series of clashes from Oct. 6 to 8 in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
“I commend the bravery and selfless dedication of the operating troops in securing and protecting the people of Himamaylan City against the terroristic activities of communist-terrorists,” he said in a statement, after awarding the Wounded Personnel Medal to the six injured soldiers in a hospital here on Sunday.
The encounters also claimed the lives of two soldiers, and led to the evacuation of hundreds of families in the affected villages.
On Monday, the Philippine Army identified those who died as Corporals Christian Drilon and Rex Verde, of San Enrique, Iloilo, and province of Guimaras, respectively.
The wounded personnel included Sgt. Edgiel Ucag, Cpl. Joey Gardose, Privates First Class Rolly Rama, June Fuentes and Wilson Liander Jr., and Pvt. Wilchor Recaña.
During his visit, Faustino was joined by Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Armed Forces chief of staff; Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army commanding general; Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander; and Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.
Arevalo said the gallantry of the wounded soldiers is a motivation for the Philippine Army to continue the quest in ending the local communist armed conflict to make Negros a CPP-NPA-free community.
In a separate statement, Pasaporte said the medal symbolizes the soldiers’ bravery in facing the enemy and dedication to their oath to protect the people and the country.
“As your brigade commander, I want to recognize your collective efforts, and may this simple occasion motivate you to do more and perform well on your next mission. Let us continue our efforts in going after the communist-terrorists,” he added.
On Sunday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province of Negros Occidental mourns the loss of the two soldiers, describing what they did for the country, the province, and the people as “the highest form of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism”.
Source: Philippines News Agency