Soldiers, militiamen awarded medals

MANILA, Philippines - Military honors were yesterday accorded to two soldiers and 14 militiamen who stood their ground when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided their outpost in Agusan del Norte recently.

Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, pinned the gold cross medal to S/Sgt. Sixto Duyan and Cpl. Murphy Jaber while the 14 militiamen were awarded with the military merit medal.

“Your gallantry in action, strong determination and stability under pressure coupled your combat teamwork, is highly laudable and appreciated,” Felix said.

The NPAs attacked the soldiers and the militiamen led by Duyan while manning an Army patrol base in Barangay San Antonio in Remedios Romualdez town before dawn last Jan. 3.

Though outnumbered, the troops fought back, forcing the rebels to withdraw. One of the militiamen, Christopher Rara, was killed while two others were wounded in the gunfight.