SOLDIERS who encountered suspected rebels in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on November 16 were recognized at the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City on Monday, November 26.

Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) based in Murcia town, awarded the members of the 79th IB and 6th Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with military commendation medals.

“As a commander, I want to ensure that my troops will always be in the highest state of morale by giving them medals and due recognition for what they've worked hard for because well-motivated troops can easily win the campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA),” Arevalo said.

The SAF personnel were also recognized as a manifestation of the government forces strong collaboration and commitment to put an end to NPA's extortion and violence in the province.

“The Army and police in Negros will continue to strengthen collaboration to fight the terrorist NPAs,” Arevalo said.

On November 16, military troopers and SAF personnel engaged in a firefight with suspected rebels in Barangay Washington, resulting in the reported deaths of two rebels.

Following the reported sightings of armed men in the village, the military conducted clearing operations in the area when they encountered about 10 alleged NPA members, who were reportedly seeking refuge at one of the houses. (GYM)