24 soldiers get medals

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 25, 2019): 24 soldiers get medals

Twenty-four soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion were conferred Military Commendation Medals on Tuesday by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations on July 13, at the boundary of Kabankalan City and Ayungon in Negros Oriental.

1Lt. Revekka Roperos, 303rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations Officer, said yesterday that the encounter of 62IB soldiers with a group of New People’s Army rebels led to the recovery of a homemade landmine, assorted explosives, M-16 assault rifle and ammunition, as well as medicines, and personal belongings.

A suspected NPA squad leader identified as a certain Joseph Pacheco, alias Emjay, of Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, died in the gunbattle.

“I will not stop recognizing the bravery of my men in the battlefield, because a person who is always appreciated will do more than what is expected,” Arevalo, who personally pinned the medals on the 62IB soldiers in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, said.

Arevalo already gave 249 medals to infantry units under the supervision of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for the 13 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since he assumed command on Oct. 29 last year.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/July/25/topstory7.htm