NORTHERN SAMAR -- Lieutenant Colonel Manuel B. Degay Jr., commanding officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) personally handed over awards to deserving “WE SEARCH” troopers during the flag-raising ceremony on May 27 at its headquarters in Brgy. Magsaysay, Lope de Vega, this province.

The awards include the Bronze Cross medals from the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Letter of Commendation from the commanding general of the Philippine Army and from the commanding officer of the unit.

All awards were given for the outstanding performance of selected personnel of the unit during the just concluded May 9 national and local elections, which contributed to a Secure, Accurate, and Free/Fair Elections (SAFE) in the area of operation (AO).

Bronze Cross medals were awarded to one (1) officer and five (5) enlisted personnel of the unit for their acts of heroism involving risk of life that resulted to the interception of armed and questionable personalities who were reported of harassing voters in Calabayog City on the eve prior to the election day.

Moreover, nine (9) enlisted personnel, who figured in an encounter with suspected NPAs while on election duty, were presented with a radiographic Letter of Commendation signed by no less than the commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Degay also awarded Letters of Commendation to deserving personnel in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices that greatly contributed to a secured elections within the unit’s AO.

In his message, Degay commended all the medal awardees and recipients of letters of commendation for a job well done.

“By your individual and team contributions, you are not only bringing glory to our unit, but you are also encouraging and inspiring other personnel to emulate your actions and contribute to our unit’s quest for excellence. Overall, these deeds which we have just recognized are one among the best ways of paying respect to our Philippine Flag,” Degay said. (43IB/8ID)