NEGROS ISLAND - The Visayas Command (Viscom) has recognized the outstanding contributions of 50 soldiers for their peace initiatives and combat accomplishments in Negros Island. The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, was led by Viscom commander Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo.
According to Philippines News Agency, head of Viscom's public information office, the awards were given to 18 officers and 32 enlisted personnel from the 303rd Infantry Brigade and its components—the 94th Infantry Battalion, 79th Infantry Battalion, and 15th Infantry Battalion. Thirteen soldiers received the Gold Cross Medal (GCM) for their bravery in combat operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA). An additional 13 were honored with the Silver Cross Medal (SCM) for distinguished achievements in various combat operations, while 14 were awarded the Military Merit Medal (MMM) with Bronze Spearhead Device for heroic actions against the CPP-NPA. Five personnel received the Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas (PKSLP) medal for supporting Viscom's civil-military operations (CMO) objectives. Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, chief of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and four others were awarded the Gawad Sa Kaunlaran (GSK) medal for their meritorious achievements.
Lt. Gen. Arevalo, in his speech, praised the brigades and battalions in Negros for their successful encounters against the CPP-NPA and their commitment to peace in the region. He emphasized that the awards symbolize recognition of the soldiers' gallantry and dedication to establishing peace in Negros Island. Despite these accomplishments, Arevalo stressed the need to sustain the campaign against the CPP-NPA to prevent their recovery and continue the momentum towards their defeat.