For the gallantry they displayed against their enemies, two soldiers were given honor by Col. Rafael Valencia, brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City.
Col. Valencia said Sgt. Erwin Palacio and Corporal Rolando Legado of the Bravo Company of the 19th Infantry Batallion are still recuperating at St. Paul’s Hospital here, deserved to be recognized for their courage.
They were among those who fought against a band of 10 members of the New People’s Army that attacked them while they were navigating through a terrain on their way home together with civilians after a `pintakasi’ in developing a `hot spring’ in Sitio Campagal, Barangay Robas, Jaro Leyte, afternoon of Sept. 14, 2013.
While under heavy enemy fire, Sgt. Palacio and Cpl. Legado, immediately sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. Seeing that the civilians were endangered and could be caught in a crossfire, Sgt. Palacio and Cpl. Legado exposed themselves to withering enemy fire and raced towards the civilians, and protect them not to be hurt.
According to Col. Valencia, Palacio and Legado’s unwavering courage, selflessness and decisive leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to their platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush.
Sgt. Palacio and Cpl. Legado’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, Bravo Company, 19th Infantry Batallion, 802nd Brigade and the entire Philippine Army’, said Col. Valencia.
Aside from the Wounded Personnel Medals, the two wounded soldiers were also given financial assistance for their hospitalization.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commaning officer of the 19th IB based in Kananga, Leyte, told Leyte Samar Daily Express that such violent incident is a clear manifestation that the NPA is resorting to violence to sow fear and panic among civilians especially those in a far flung barangays.
The NPA rebels continues to pursue armed violence despite ongoing peace efforts by the government. And such the npa wanted to spoil the good relationship of the army and civilians in Brgy. Robas, Col. Espulgar added.
The military strongly condemned this recent attack and the battalion commander of 19th IB vowed to continue its focused security operations in the area aimed at targeting those who continue to pursue armed violence that has caused suffering to the people and loss of innocent lives.
It was learned that Robas was previously infested with rebels, thus the government’s development efforts were hampered.
“We expect development to flow into these areas, these brgy will continue to be threatened by the NPA if their issues and concerns are not being addressed accordingly,” he added.
The battalion commander of 19th IB believe that the convergence of government efforts and the key role of local government officials were the right formula that contributed much in enlightening the people.
http://leytesamardaily.net/2013/09/army-cites-2-wounded-sodiers/
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