Camp Bahian, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
July 6, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the troops of the 403rd Brigade (403rd Bde), 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) at Camp Bahian in Barangay Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The President viewed the display of firearms that were recovered and surrendered from January to June 2017. He also awarded the Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device to several officers and enlisted personnel for their heroic achievement as operating elements of the 58th Infantry Battalion and 8th Infantry Battalion of the 4ID, PA during their encounters against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Dugo-dugo, Pelaez, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on June 5, 2017, as well as in Sitio Tagbakan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on March 25, 2017.

The awardees were 2Lt. Julius Cesar Labay, 2Lt. Vincent Mark Maddulo, 2Lt. Erwin Babas, Sergeant Nurail Isnain, Cpl. Al Edward Calderon, and Sergeant Ruel Gallaron.

Likewise, he awarded the Military Merit Medal with Anahaw Leaf to several officers from the 403rd Bde, 4ID, PA for their invaluable service rendered as members of the Martial Law Implementing Unit and Task Force ORO. The awardees provided intelligence and covert security support that led to the arrest of former Mayor Fajad Salic of Marawi City and a suspected Maute group protector last June 27, 2017 in Misamis Oriental.

The award recipients were Capt. Pete Malaluan, Capt. Charlie Valdez, Capt. Rey Exequiel Escalera, 1Lt Paulo Agda, Tech. Sergeant Bayani Cretecio, Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Dalquiz, Private 1st Class Runel Namalata, and Private 1st Class Marjun Romanillos.

In his speech, the Commander-in-Chief gave his assurance to the troops that he would defend them and expressed his gratitude for their contribution in fighting terrorism in the country, as well as the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.

“The Republic must be able to survive and we must remain strong, I will assure you that you will be strong and I will protect and defend you… And you will have the best of everything in terms of equipment at lahat and you will be comfortable, yan lang ang maiwan ko sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa kontribusyon ninyo, our comrades in arms, let us say to God — may You bless them and ask to bless us all this afternoon because we have a task to do,” the President emphasized.

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