FOR their act of gallantry and heroism, 31 members of the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion have received merit medals in rites held at their headquarters in Isabela town, Negros Occidental on Monday, August 1.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, led the awarding rites.

The troops were behind the successful operation last July 26 at Sitio Natuling, Barangay Budlasan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental that resulted to the death of the finance officer and two members of Central Negros 1.

Killed during the military operation were former day care worker and Oplan Sauron target Christina Jacolbe, her 16-year-old daughter Everly Kee, and relative Rodan Montero.

The encounter also yielded five low powered firearms, one hand grenade, rifle grenade, four cellular phones, solar panels and subversive documents.

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

“Hopefully, this will not be the last awarding ceremony that you will be the awardees,” he also said.*