Rosario pins wounded personnel medal to soldier. Contributed photo
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) led the ceremonial pinning on Wednesday of medals to an officer and two personnel wounded in an attack by suspected New People’s Army rebels.
Awarded with the Wounded Personnel Medal at theirhospital beds in Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital here were 2nd Lt. Jevie J. Sagragao, Cpl. Randy D. Polancos, and PFC Clarence Urpilla of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion.
It can be recalled that the troops were reportedly providing perimeter security to personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the distribution of financial assistance to people affected by the enhanced community quarantine when attacked by the armed men in Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora at about 12 noon on April 21.
Two soldiers identified as PFC Ken Lester I. Sasapan and PFC Jackson M. Mallari died in the attack.
“A medal is not enough to equate the sacrifices of every soldier battling for peace. However, with this award, a soldier’s effort is recognized, and the commitment to the mandate of being a soldier is strengthened,” Rosario said.
