President Duterte visits 403rd brigade camp, honors frontline soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11): President Duterte visits 403rd brigade camp, honors frontline soldiers

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte bestowed high military awards to 12 soldiers for “meritorious service” in the armed forces during his military camp visit in Bukidnon.

In a ceremony at the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade in Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City, the President gave “Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device” to each of the four officers and combatant for their heroic achievements.

The four of said 12 soldiers who received honor medals served as operating elements of the Philippine Army’s 58th and 8th Infantry Battalions of the 4th Infantry Division who defeated the enemies during gunfight against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Dugo-dugo, Pelaez, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on 5 June 2017.

They also worked as the ‘operatives’ during gun battle against NPA rebels at  Sitio Tagbacan, Canangaan village in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on March 25, 2017.

In the same event, the President conferred the “Military Merit Medal with Anahaw Leaf” to each of the eight soldiers who worked as members of the Martial Law implementing unit and Task Force Oro under 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division.

They (“Anahaw” medal awardees) provided intelligence and covert security support that led to the arrest of former Marawi City mayor Fahad Salic alias “Pre” on June 7, 2017 in Villanueva town, Misamis Oriental.

A military report showed that Salic is a suspected Maute terror group’s protector.

The government’s intelligence group works also led to the successful search and seizure operation in Salic’s house at Xavier Estates in Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City.

In an interview, 403rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson Capt. Norman Tagros said the arrest of suspects and other activities in support to the implementation of Martial Law in the entire island of Mindanao led to the successful apprehension of Mohammad Noaim Maute alias “Abu Jadid” at Aluba, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City on June 15, 2017.

In his “talk to troops” visit in Bukidnon, President Duterte expressed his gratitude for the armed forces’ share in nation building.

“To my dear soldiers who died in the battlefield—and those who nearly died in combat to disrupt the enemies’ sanctuaries—I salute you for your heroism and bravery. No one is more frustrated than I am upon knowing of the loss of the troopers’ lives. Moreover, no one is more proud than I am as you laid down your lives for others,” Duterte said during his visit in Bukidnon to honor the soldiers who showed supreme act of courage in the battlefield.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501499753490/president-duterte-visits-403rd-brigade-camp-honors-frontline-soldiers