3 soldiers get Gold Cross medals for killing top Panay NPA leaders

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BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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Thursday, March 1, 2018
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ILOILO City – Three soldiers who killed three top New People’s Army (NPA) officials in Capiz province were awarded the Gold Cross Medal, the fourth highest medal in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The awardees were First Lieutenant Jil Gamay, Staff Sergeant Joel Consular and Private First Class Prince Carl De Mesa, all of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB).

The three were honored on Feb. 26 during the 35th anniversary of the 301st Infantry Brigade in Camp Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.

The awardees shot to death the three NPA leaders during an encounter in Barangay San Antonio, Cuartero, Capiz on Nov. 7, 2017.

The rebels – all belonging to the Nonito Aguirre Sr. Command of NPA Panay – were Remy Beraye of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, Iloilo City; Federico Diaz alias Val of Barangay Mahabang Sapa, Cuartero, Capiz; and Allan Lerona alias Felizardo Cerilo of Mambusao, Capiz.

Beraye was a former student leader (chairperson of the League of Filipino Students at the West Visayas State University).

Diaz was the vice commander of NPA Panay’s Sangay ng Partidong Platoon, Eastern Panay.

The commander of the 301IB, Brigadier General Pio Diñoso, congratulated the three soldiers for their bravery and dedication to duty.

“Only a few have been awarded this medal and honor,” said Diñoso.

On Nov. 7, 2017 61IB troops responded to an information from civilians regarding armed men demanding rice, corn and money from farmers. They exchanged fire with the rebels.

“We call on communities to remain vigilant and report immediately to the Armed Forces the rebels in their areas so we can stop the extortion, threats and other criminal activities. Let us work together and keep the people free from the rebels,” said Diñoso./PN
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