THE 1st Infantry Division (ID), the premier unit of the Philippine Army, has awarded medal to deserving troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) for gallantry in action.
Major General Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, led the awarding of medals, which include three Gold Cross Medals, 12 Military Merit Medals, and six Military Commendation Medals.
Ponio said the three Gold Cross Medal Awardees were Corporal Fritz Floyed Prejoles, Private First Class Christian Ambongan, and Private First Class Jay Inaniog for gallantry in action during a 25-minute clash against New People's Army (NPA) rebels on September 21, 2020 Marangan village, Dumingag. Zamboanga del Sur.
The troops captured an NPA leader identified as Roel Monasque, who was wounded during the firefight and was abandoned by his comrades. Another NPA rebel was also killed.
The troops also recovered two M-16 Armalite rifles, one Grenade Launcher, one AK-47 assault rifle, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), a rifle grenade, and other war materiel.
Ponio said the Gold Cross Medal is the fourth highest Philippine military award, which recognizes gallantry in action.
The 12 Military Merit Medal awardees were the following: Second Lieutenant George Yu Jr., Sergeant Eman Glen Pitogo, Sergeant Mighty Wizard Domingo, Sergeant Ernesto Torres, Corporal Edsel Bendanillo, Corporal Jervy Lacuarda, Private First Class Jesson Anadeo, Private First Class Jonard Ombiang, Private First Class Marchsteven Guigue, Private First Class Francis Angelo Dajay, Private First Class Cherry Dawn Tabasa, Private First Class John Kendrick Wangiwang, Private First Class Daniel Rey Solidum, Private First Class Jayson Lactuan, Private First Class Jaiyson Balcita, Private First Class Jhon Michael Isong, Private First Class Charity Hibaya, Private First Class Cherry May Salutin, Private First Class Aries Juato, Private First Class Ricson Templonuevo, Private First Class Virgilion Gilid Jr. and Private First Class Radzor Arolla.
The said Military Merit Medal is awarded to soldiers for meritorious and invaluable service rendered as Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officers and members of the 53IB during the successful conduct of three-day Youth Leadership Summit at the First Infantry Division from March 6 to 8, 2020.
The six Military Commendation Medal awardees were: Captain Bahnarin Camsa, Second Lieutenant George Yu Jr., Sergeant Ralfh Montiel, Private First Class Jevelen Robledo, Private First Class Marchsteven Guigue and Private First Class Daniel Rey Solidum.
They were awarded Military Commendation Medal for exemplary performance and loyalty to duty during the distribution of livelihood kits to former New People's Army (NPA) rebels at Camp Major David Sabido that houses the 53IB headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur with the collaboration of local government units (LGUs).
"Congratulations to all the awardees. The whole organization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrates and are proud of you as you accomplished such heroic deeds to achieve these rewards," Ponio said.
"These acts are representations that we have achieved evolving professional Army, living according to the Army Values and Ethos every day, whether on or off duty," he added.
The awarding ceremony was held last week during the 53IB's 36th Founding Anniversary celebration, which is anchored on the theme: "Matapat@36: Remember with Gratitude, Renew with Passion." (SunStar Zamboanga)