BRIGADIER General Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander (303IB) awards medals in separate ceremonies on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, to 81 soldiers of 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) and 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) who were involved in two successful encounters against the New People's Army (NPA) in May.

The 38 soldiers of 62IB and 43 troopers of 79IB receive Military Commendation Medals for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.

The first clash was when troops of 62IB encountered the NPAs in Sitio Dawhan, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental which resulted in five NPA casualties, apprehension of one NPA member and recovery of one anti-personnel mine, seven backpacks, personal belongings and subversive documents.

The other encounter occurred between 79th IB and rebels in Sitio Puting Tubig, Barangay Minautok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental last May 15 and caused five NPAs killed according to reports from the populace, and recovered one magazine with eight ammunition for Garrand Carbine rifle, food stuff and other belongings.

The medals were pinned in ceremonies held in the battalion headquarters of 62IB in Barangay Libas, Isabela and 79IB in Barangay Bato, Sagay both in Negros Occidental.

“The medals I give to my soldiers are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard work and bravery in fighting the terrorist NPAs. As their commander, I ensure that their morale is high, because well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform more than what is expected,” Arevalo said.

There are already 225 medals awarded by Arevalo to soldiers under 303IB for the 12 successful encounters against the terrorist NPAs in the province since his assumption as Commander last October 29, 2018.