53rd IB commends personnel for exemplary combat accomplishment

The 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion recognized the squad led by Sgt Parame of Bravo Company for their heroic achievement in fighting for peace against Communist-NPA Terrorists and for successfully capturing high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED) in a firefight last July 11, 2020.

The simple but fitting ceremony, still in strict observance of COVID-19 protocols, was presided by 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera.

A .50-caliber Sniper Rifle (Barrett), Rocket-Propelled Grenade, improvised shotgun, one M16 Assault Rifle, and an estimated 15-kilogram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which was used as a landmine were captured after a firefight transpired last July 11, 2020 between the Army’s 53rd IB and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists’ Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) and HQ “KALAW” of Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) in the boundary of Sitio Tumanong, Brgy Macasing and Sitio Lacnapan, Brgy Pange, both in Siayan town, Zamboanga del Norte.

Sgt Parame together with 8 others demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication to duty that resulted to the capture of said high-powered firearms and war materiel.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Herrera said their effort is highly commendable and contributed to the success of the unit’s mission.

“I urge them and all Matapat Troopers to continue the good work with zeal and enthusiasm,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.