Army gives medals to wounded soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 22, 2020): Army gives medals to wounded soldiers (By Easter Anne Doza)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 22 (PIA6) – - Four wounded soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade were given Wounded Personnel Medals, in a pinning ceremony in their respective hospital rooms while being confined for treatment.

303rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Inocencio Pasaporte pinned the medals to Corporal John Cris M Laus, Corporal Lismer Jade J Tumayao, Private First Class John Paul M Geonzon, and Private First Class Alexis I Mepranum for their demonstration of exemplary actions during the 30-minute encounter in Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City, southern Negros.

"The medal symbolizes the bravery of our soldiers in facing our common enemy, the Communist NPA terrorists, and I salute each and everyone of them for their selfless service and dedication in serving the people and protecting the peace in Negros," Pasaporte said.

Troopers of the 94IB were on security patrol in relation to the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) grants of the Department of Social Welfare and Development when reports reached the army of the presence and extortion activities of the New People’s Army among SAP grant beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the province’s top officials led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson condemned this act of the NPA that killed three and wounded four soldiers.

“I am deeply dismayed and I condemned the attacks against our soldiers during a humanitarian mission,” Lacson said.

Pasaporte expressed condolences to the killed soldiers while he assured assistance and benefits to the families.

“Their heroism will never be forgotten by the people of Negros. It also motivates us to further continue our mandate to protect our fellow Negrenses against this terrorist group and achieve peace in the island,” Pasaporte added.

A send-off ceremony is also set for the three fallen soldiers at the Bacolod-Silay Airport, April 21. *(LTP/EAD-PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1039713