By Nanette Guadalquiver/Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental was recognized as the Best Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) for 2019.
Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of 79IB, received the award during the 45th founding anniversary celebration of the 3ID, which was held at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Wednesday.
“These accomplishments are all made possible with the combined efforts of all Masaligan troopers and the trust given to us by all the people we protect and fight for,” Logan said.
Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commanding general of the Philippine Army, and Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of 3ID, handed the plaque of recognition to Logan.
The 3ID, which covers Western and Central Visayas, recognized the 79IB for its “exemplary performance in both TRIAD and the Administration that greatly attributed to the attainment of the mission of the Division through excellent leadership, command and management of personnel and resources.”
The 79IB, headquartered in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, includes the First, Second and Third Districts, all in northern Negros, and the Lone District of Bacolod in its jurisdiction.
The 79IB’s strategized localized peace initiatives in collaboration with the Philippine National Police, local government units, and other government agencies led to the series of surrender of more than 500 members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in northern Negros since February this year.
Last month, the Army unit’s troops received Military Commendation Medals from the 303rd Infantry Brigade, led by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, for their successful encounters with the communist rebels in Barangay Mabini, Escalante City and Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava town.
The Calatrava encounter led to the death of three rebel fighters and the recovery of high-powered firearms and ammunition.
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