By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) recently received the “Best Battalion” award.

Philippine Army commander, Lt. General Macairog Alberto, awarded a plaque to 79IB commander, Lt. Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan, who credited the accomplishment to efforts put in by the troops and trust earned from the public.

Last month, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, awarded medals to soldiers of 62nd Infantry Battalion and 79IB involved in the two successful encounters against the New People’s Army (NPA).

A total of 40 servicemen received military commendation medals for “exemplary performance of duty in combat operations.”

79IB bested six other battalions in the Central and Western Visayas.

Last February, after over 100 supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA withdrew support from the insurgent group, Logan said Negrenses have awakened from the lies and deception of the terrorist rebels.

He also encouraged other Negrenses to end their support of the rebel groups in order to attain lasting peace and sustain the development of Negros Occidental./DGB, WDJ