BACOLOD CITY — The eight troopers of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion injured in a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental over the weekend were awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal.
In an emailed statement on Tuesday, the 3rd Infantry Division said the awarding rites, led by commander Brig. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, was held at the Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Jamindan, Capiz.
Dolina said the wounded soldiers fought not only for the people, but also defended peace and progress.
“Your Army in Central and Western Visayas are steadfast in their mandate of serving the people and securing the land,” he added.
Those who received the medals were Sgt. Niño Nabaunag, Private First Class (PFC) Angelito Banga, PFC Michael Bersana, PFC Voltair Catamin, PFC Kenneth Cerbo, and Privates John Daryle Delgado, Ryan Las Piñas, and Joven Taghap.
The 62nd Battalion troops encountered about 60 communist rebels while conducting a patrol and combat clearing operation in Sitio Atubon, Barangay Tan-awan early morning last Saturday.
The clash also claimed the lives of Sgt. Sandy Arevalo and PFC Vicente Marcon.
“We express our deepest sympathy to the family of our Spearhead troopers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving the Negrenses,” Dolina said, adding that despite the setback, the Army will remain committed in serving the people. “We are ready to protect them against these oppressive and cold-blooded terrorists at all times.”
Meanwhile, three soldiers of the 61st Battalion, Sgt. Paolo Ogaro, PFC Hans Christian de la Cruz, and PFC John Anthony Barrientos, who were wounded by the improvised explosive device planted by the NPA in Calinog, Iloilo last May 5, also received the Wounded Personnel Medal. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
