SOLDIERS from the Army's 41st Infantry Battalion received awards Saturday for their successful campaign against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Abra.
Army Chief Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri conferred the Gold Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Wounded Personnel Medal, and Military Merit Medal to the elements of the 41st Infantry Battalion who engaged in an encounter with undetermined number of armed NPA rebels in Barangay Guinguinabang and Barangay Poblacion, Lacub Abra on September 4.
The Gold Cross Medals were awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Joe Mari Landicho, the head of the operating troops, and to Captain Deo R Martinez, the Operations Officer of 41st IB.
Lieutenant Colonel Rogelio Noora, the Commanding Officer of 41st IB, was conferred with the Bronze Cross Medal.
The Wounded Personnel Medal, on the other hand, were given to Corporal Gilbert Baawa, Private First Class James Erickson Danao, and PFC Randy Saayan, while the other members of the operating troops received Military Merit Medals.
Eight NPA rebels died in the said encounter, while another was captured. The Army troops also recovered 15 firearms, including M653 rifles, M14 rifle, M16 rifles, AK47, Garand and Cal .45 Pistol.
"This successful operation caused a major setback to the ranks of the NPA, and contributed immensely to the accomplishment of the AFP's mission as embodied in the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan," said Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato. (VR/Sunnex)