CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela- The 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in this town has awarded a “Military Wounded Personnel Medal” each to the four soldiers who were wounded following their encounter with NPA rebels in the province of Kalinga.
Soldiers from the 50th Infantry Battalion were reportedly conducting security patrol when they chanced upon communist guerillas at Barangay Balatoc, Pasil, Kalinga on July 4, sparking a firefight, that left Sergeant Joselito P. Felipe and PFC Henry B. Camatcho, both from this province, Private First Class John Cris M. Dangatag of Kalinga province and PFC Richard A Panga-or of Mt. Province wounded.
The awarding of medal and relief cash assistance was conducted at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Station Hospital where the wounded soldiers were confined.
“Kayo ay mga bayani na dapat tularan. Ang pagkakasugat ninyo sa digmaan, ay maging hamon sana sa inyo na mas lalo pang gampanan ang inyong tungkulin sa paglilingkod sa bayan,” Major General Paul Atal said during the awarding.
The ‘Wounded Personnel Medal’ is awarded to members of and civilians employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are injured or killed in combat with the enemy. Merlito Egdale/PIA