Matapat Trooper Awarded as Army’s Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year
Corporal Fritz Floyd Prejoles of the 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) was recognized as the Philippine Army’s Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year 2020 during the 124th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary celebration at the 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division (1ID) Headquarters Kuta Maj. Cesar Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on March 22, 2021.
1ID Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr. handed the Plaque of Recognition to Cpl. Prejoles, who was also awarded a gold cross medal for gallantry in action while serving as Section Leader during their encounter against members of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur on September 21, 2020. The said encounter resulted in the neutralization of NPA leaders and the recovery of several high-powered firearms.
The anniversary celebrations in 1ID highlighted the messages of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana delivered his message as the program’s Guest of Honor and Speaker via video conference and the Commanding General of Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. delivered by BGen. Gaerlan.
“124 Years of Commitment in Serving the People and Securing the Land, let us embody these core values toward our country’s peace and progress while braving the challenges of natural and man-made disasters, terrorism, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us be steadfast in our duties as we march closer to our vision of becoming a world-class Army, that is a source of national pride,”” Lt. Gen. Faustino’s message said.
BGen. Gaerlan highlighted in his message the bravery and professionalism of every Tabak Trooper as exemplified by Cpl. Prejoles that made them a cut above the rest. He urged all the personnel to emulate the deeds and character of Cpl. Prejoles in order to foster the glorious traditions of 1ID.“
Here in the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, we are governed by the culture of excellence and the continuous effort to be the best in every endeavor that we engaged in,” BGen. Gaerlan said.
Cpl. Prejoles, a member of Class Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) “SIKLAB” 2009 who hails from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, is a 32-year-old Grenaidier Enlisted Personnel of 53IB’s HHC, 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade, 1ID.
Cpl. Prejoles also received the following awards: Gawad sa Kaunlaran, PERS Readiness Badge (Silver Category), CS AFP Commendation medal and Ribbon, Martial Law Citation Badge, and Military Merit Medal.“
Every Matapat Trooper is proud with Cpl. Prejoles’ achievements. We shall continue to strive in excellence in fulfilling our sworn duty and commitment to serve the people and secure the province of Zamboanga del Sur,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.
