Tabak Commander visits 53rd IB, awards distinguished personnel for bravery
Army’s 1st Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio awarded distinguished personnel of 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion for their heroic combat achievements, dedication to duty, and selfless service during his visit to this headquarters July 29, 2020.
Awarded were officers and non-commissioned officers from this unit’s Alpha Company, Charlie Company, and Scout Platoon.
In the recent months, the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, as part of Task Unit “KAISER” of Army’s 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, has been successful in shaping the operational environment in its area of operations, resulting in multiple armed encounters against Communist-NPA terrorists (CNTs), most of which yielded firearms and neutralized enemy personalities.
Part of their distinguished combat achievement were the capture of high-powered firearms (HPFAs) such as: .50-caliber Sniper Rifle (Barrett); four M16 assault rifles ; one Ak 47; 1 RPG; anti-personnel mines and improvised explosive device; subversive documents; and various war materiel.
In his welcome remarks, 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked the Commander of 1st Infantry Division for his time, saying that this Commander’s visit will inspire the troops to “be more, do more, and perform more.”
“Every Commander’s visit not only boosts the morale of his soldiers, but also inspires them to better perform their sworn duties to God, country, and people.” said Lt. Col. Herrera.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ponio in his message thanked the 53rd IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Herrera for the warm welcome accorded to him, while saying that the heroic acts of the troops were both worthy of recognition and emulation.
“I encourage everyone to emulate the heroic acts of these officers and non-commissioned officers, because not only will this give pride to your unit, but also to the Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.
The captured firearms will later be turned over to proper authorities for appropriate action.