THE Army's 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade awarded a medal to a soldier for gallantry in action against the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

The recipient of the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) is Private Nestor Apanon of the Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Del Pilar village, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, pinned the WPM to Apanon when the official visited the camp of the 97IB Friday, August 20, in Del Pilar, Piñan.

Apanon, a former NPA rebel who has just recently graduated and enlisted as a regular member of the Philippine Army, was wounded in a clash against the NPAs on August 18 in Bagumbayan village, Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte.

During the talk to the troops of 97IB and Task Unit Jaguar, Nicolas recognized the relentless efforts of the troops in support of the accomplishments of the mission.

“As your commander, who approves the operations on the ground, I acknowledge the dedication and commitment each one of you has demonstrated,” Nicolas said.

“Our efforts and the sacrifices of our comrades who have gone before us are all part and parcel of our mandate as protectors of the people,” Nicolas added.

Nicolas also visited Private First Class John Mark Grande of the 42IB who was recuperating in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Major General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, earlier awarded WPM to Grande.

“We will not stop and we will continue to push forward until we accomplish our mission of a peaceful and development-ready Zamboanga Peninsula,” Nicolas said. (SunStar Zamboanga)