THE Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division has awarded medal to troops who have demonstrated courageous act and risked their lives in the performance of duty in the command's area of responsibility.

Brigadier General Generoso Ponio, Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal to five soldiers on Saturday, February 1, at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

They were injured in an ambush on December 24, 2019 in the town of Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur. Two, including a junior officer, were killed in the incident.

Ponio also awarded Military Merit Medal to 11 personnel of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion in recognition for gallantry in action against the Dawlah Islamiyah.

They were recognized for their neutralization of one Dawlah Islamiyah member in hinterland boundaries in municipalities of Balindong and Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on January 24, 2020.

They have also recovered one M-16 Armalite rifle, one kilogram of bomb-making component and a container of rice during the clash.

The awarding ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.

"While we are accomplishing our missions, morale and welfare should not be taken for granted," Ponio said, as he assured to provide the best medical care for the wounded soldiers for their speedy recovery.

"Stay healthy, happy, and motivated," Ponio told the troops.

He congratulated the troops for a job well-done and encourage the troopers to remain steadfast and committed in contributing for the achievement of the unit's mission as an Operational Control Battalion to the 1st Infantry Division. (SunStar Zamboanga)