EIGHTEEN soldiers from the 901st Infantry Brigade were awarded the Gold Cross Medal on February 17 for their bravery in a recent encounter that led to the neutralization of a top New People’s Army (NPA) leader in the Caraga Region.

The awarding ceremony, held at Alcoseba Hall within the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID), was led by Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, and 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr.

Lt. Gen. Bergante highlighted the soldiers’ role in the February 12 operation in Sitio Tagulahi, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City, which resulted in the death of Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, a high-ranking NPA leader of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

GOLD CROSS. Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, awards a Gold Cross Medal to a soldier during a ceremony at Alcoseba Hall, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) on February 17. The soldier was among 18 recipients of the prestigious award, with 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron assisting in the presentation. Photo by Edwin Iyo

Maj. Gen. Anayron hailed the operation as a major accomplishment in the government’s counterinsurgency efforts, emphasizing that Sularte’s death dealt a significant blow to the NPA’s operations in Caraga.

Lt. Gen. Bergante expressed gratitude to 4ID troops for their dedication and commitment to national security.

“The Gold Cross Medal is a testament to their valor and unwavering service in the fight against insurgency,” he said.