5 soldiers conferred Gold, Silver Cross medals

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has conferred Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals to five Army soldiers who figured in successful operations against communist rebels in Eastern Visayas.

Brawner conferred the medals last Wednesday during a visit to the headquarters of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City, Samar.

Two of the soldiers received the Gold Cross for “gallantry” during military operations that led to the death of two NPA rebels and the seizure of eight firearms, according to AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Three other soldiers received the Silver Cross for their “eminently meritorious and invaluable achievement” during an operation that led to the death of seven rebels, apprehension of another rebel, and the capture of three firearms and an improvised explosive device.

“The awarding demonstrates the AFP’s appreciation and recognition of its personnel’s hard work, dedication, and courage in the performance of their duties,” said Trinidad.

During the ceremony, Brawner also commissioned 11 individuals into the military’s reserve force.

Trinidad said the commissioning of the reservist officers “shows the AFP leadership’s seriousness in developing its reserve force as an important component of its defense structure and posture.”