Six 78th IB men receive medals

CEBU - Six personnel of the 78th Infantry Battalion were awarded with medals and commendations yesterday by the Armed Forces of the Philippines through Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Pedro Inserto.

The medals awarded were the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, the Military Merit Medal for heroic achievement in a military action against the enemies of the state, the Military Commendation Medal for exemplary efficiency, devotion and loyalty to duty assignments, and the Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Ribbon for participation in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

First Lt. Michael Madayag and Sgt. Nestor Sabio both received the Gold Cross Medal for bravery during an encounter with about 14 fully armed communist rebels in sitio Igbulo, barangay Igpaho, Tubungan, Iloilo, last May 14. 

After the encounter, two rebels were found dead while another was wounded. Government soldiers also recovered several Armalite rifles, ammunition bandoliers and communication equipment from the rebels.

The Military Merit medal was given to Sgt. Edwin Dacara along with his squad leaders who were also present during the raid.

The Military Commendation Medal was awarded to 1st Lt. Romulo Tagubaran while the Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Ribbon were given to Lt. Col. Raymund Bañares and 1st Lt. Lorenzo Siobal Jr.

In his speech, Inserto called for absolute respect for human rights.

“Hindi tayo dapat ang maging dahilan ng pagkatakot ng mamamayan,” Inserto said.

Lastly, he told Army officials to conduct their designated jobs properly and to conduct in-house trainings for further preservation of peace in the region.

Commending the awarded military personnel, Inserto said that the honored soldiers brought credit not only for themselves but also for the AFP as well. – Cressida Paula G. Delmo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)