THE 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division (ID) awarded on Monday, March 1, medal to 15 personnel for exemplary performance and donned ranks to two newly-promoted officers of the command.

The Tabak division did not release the names of the Military Merit Medal awardees but said they are composed of 13 officers and two enlisted personnel.

They were recognized for the excellence and invaluable services rendered during the arrival of honors last week for Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr., Philippine Army commander; and Brigadier General Milton Beset, Army Signal Regiment commander.

Donned with ranks are newly promoted Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, Tabak's assistant chief of staff for operations; and Colonel Freddie Europa, commander of the 9th Finance Service Support Office.

Major General Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, congratulated the two newly promoted officers and awardees for their achievements.

"The ranks and awards you've received were because of your dedication, professionalism and selfless service. We look forward for more personnel to emulate or follow your deeds," Ponio said.

The awarding of medal and donning of ranks was held during Monday's flag raising ceremony at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, which houses the 1ID headquarters in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (SunStar Zamboanga)