The commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Major General Eric C. Vinoya, bade farewell to the troops of 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion two weeks prior to his retirement from the military service.

Vinoya was received by Lieutenant Colonel J-jay T Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, in a traditional military honors at the 79IB headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, August 25.

During his talk to the troops, Vinoya commended the men and women of 79IB for their commitment and enthusiasm in protecting the people of Northern Negros against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area.

Part of the highlights of Vinoya’s visit was the awarding of “Gawad Kalinong” plaque and Campaign Streamer Award to 79IB for successfully dismantling the Northern Negros Front (NNF) of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and the awarding of deserving personnel for their excellent service and gallantry in action in the conduct of various military operations against the CTGs.

Among the awardees of the Military Merit Medal with Spearhead device were Sergeant Kenneth C. Garcia, Corporal Fredie E. Corsino, Corporal James T. Somoza, Private Hairo C. Alejaga, and Private Dani Luigi G. Lachica.

In his message, Vinoya also shared his three guiding principles in life and how they impacted his military service for the past 38 years.

“I am what I am now because of these principles – Excellence, Commitment, and Victory. These principles guided me throughout my military career, thus I enjoin everyone to also imbibe these virtues to serve as your anchor in accomplishing your mission here in Northern Negros. To all the men and women of 79IB, ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat for your commitment and enthusiasm in protecting the people of Northern Negros that have  greatly contributed to the attainment of the 3ID’s mission,” he said./WDJ