BAGUIO CITY (PIA) --The Philippine Army Commanding General  recently visited in the area of responsibility of  the  5th Infantry Division (5ID) in the Cordillera and Cagayan regions where he   awarded medals to some soldiers for  their  exemplary performance and commended the auxiliary units for their contribution in the attainment of peace and development.  

Major General Andres Centino in his visit to  Alannay Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA)  patrol base in Lasam, Cagayan,     awarded   Military Merit Medal to seven troops of the 17th Infantry Battalion  who exhibited bravery in combating Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in  Barangay Mallig in Flora, Apayao and in Zinundungan Valley, Rizal, Cagayan.

In a report by the 5ID, the troops overran a  1,000 square meter- enemy encampment with 40 bunkers, a social hall, and two kitchens in December 2020 and another enemy camp with 11 bunkers on March 14, 2021  in said  places.

The soldiers  also recovered firearms, war materials, medical paraphernalia, NPA flag, and subversive documents.

 The Commanding General also visited the CAA Detachment in Barangay Daga, Conner, Apayao and the Dibuluan CAA Patrol Base in San Mariano, Isabela to look into the status of the military camps that are securing the community against the threat of the CNTs.

 He commended  CAAs in the provinces of Apayao, Cagayan, and Isabela for their  efforts   that are  directly contributing in the attainment of peace and order in the communities.

He also recognized the Brigade’s contribution to the success in the government’s  fight against insurgency through the neutralization of  15  enemy personalities and recovery of  23  firearms and    245   improvised explosive devices and as well as its contribution to the development and transformation of CNT-cleared barangays.

 He commended    CAAs in the provinces of Apayao, Cagayan, and Isabela for their efforts  in   directly contributing in the attainment of peace and order in the communities.

He also recognized the Brigade’s contribution to the Army’s victory against insurgency through the neutralization of  15  enemy personalities and recovery of  23  firearms and    245  IEDs, and as well as its contribution to the development and transformation of cleared barangays.

 Centeno   encouraged  the troops to sustain the extra effort in the campaign against insurgency.

  “We are in a great victory against the enemy of the state. Pero meron pang natitira na dapat nating tapusin. Ang tanong, kaya ba natin ito within the timeline given to us? (But we still have more of the insurgency to end, the question is that can we do it with the timeline given to us). I, as your Commanding General, believe that we can. Nakikita ko na kayang-kaya natin yang gawin if we will focus on the main task – that is to end local communist armed conflict (I can see that we can do it). We can do it if we have the mindset na kaya natin within the timeline. We all have the support from the agencies and communities. We will win this fight!”

 5ID Commander MGen. Laurence Mina thanked the Commanding General for boosting the morale of the troops on the ground. He also reassured that the Startroopers will continuously do its job and maintain its standard of excellence. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)