Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commanding officer of the 3 rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, led the pinning of ranks and awarding of merit medals to outstanding personnel of the 79 th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, recently.

Guerrero was guest of honor and speaker at the 9 th foundation anniversary of the Army unit August 19, attended by unit friends, visitors and stakeholders, despite the intermittent downpour brought on by typhoon “Ineng”, its press release said.

The pinning of ranks to six promoted personnel, awarding of military merit medals to nine personnel, and pinning of personnel readiness badges to 30 soldiers highlighted the celebration. Guerrero also presented a plaque of recognition to retired Col. Nestor Porlucas, the first commanding officer of the battalion.

Forty-two civilians and groups received the Gawad sa Masaligan award for their supportive to the unit, the press release also said.

Guerrero congratulated the Battalion, adding that “despite being young, it had contributed far reaching effects to people in its area of operation.” He also recognized the individual and collective effort of the Masaligan troopers for their service to the people of Negros Oriental, and parts of Negros Occidental and Siquijor.

The unit was founded Aug. 16, 2005. Events such as a thanksgiving mass, sports festival, launching of the “Apo i CARe” environmental campaign for the preservation of Apo Island, awarding of certificates of recognition to partners, and a thanksgiving dinner were held before the highlight of the celebration August 19, the press release added.*

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