Four wounded soldiers receives ‘Medalya’

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela -- The 5th Infantry division, Philippine Army (5IDPA) on July 10 awarded four soldiers the “medalya ng sugatang magiting na kawal” (wounded personnel medal) by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their continuing fight to secure the residents against terror groups.

Major General Paul Atal, commanding officer of the 5ID led the awarding done together with the Joint Task Force “TALA” for Sergeant Joselito Felipe of Isabela province, Private First Class (PFC) John Cris Dangatag of Kalinga, PFC Richard Panga-or of Mt Province and Private Henry Camacho of Isabela.

The four were wounded in action in an encounter with 20 New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels on July 4.

Aside from a medal, the four also received P5,000 as financial assistance from Star Trooper Active Relief Fund.

Atal lauded the four for their bravery and truthfulness to the service. He also lauded the other 50IB personnel who are on the mountains continuing the military operation.

"You are heroes who should be emulated. Your having been wounded in action is a challenge for you to continue serving the nation," Atal said.

Atal also urged the soldiers to continue trusting in the Lord and ask for guidance for a new life.

Captain Jefferson Somera, chief of the Community Relations Service of the 5ID said operatives of the 50th Infantry Battalion (50IB) had an encounter with the NPAs in Barangay Balatoc, Pasil, Kalinga.

“The four were wounded while perthe forming their duty and showing their bravery,” said Atal.

Somera reported prior to the encounter, the same operatives also had a firefight with NPA rebels in Brgy Wagud, Pinukpuk, Kalinga where they recovered a caliber .30 US Carbine, two magazine and four homemade landmines after the rebels retreated from the scene.

The awarding of medal and relief cash assistance was made at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Station Hospital over weekend where the wounded soldiers were confined.