VP Sara lauds PH Army's 79th IB for 'success' in recent combat operation

Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday released a statement commending the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion for its "recent successful combat operation.”

“On behalf of the Office of the Vice President, I extend my commendation to the brave men and women of the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) of the Philippine Army under Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso for your recent successful combat operation,” Duterte said in a statement.

“Your courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities are worthy of the highest respect. This achievement reflects not only your operational excellence but also your dedication to upholding peace, security, and the rule of law,” she added. 

While the Vice President did not mention the specific operation, the Philippine Army recently reported a clash involving personnel from the 79th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

The army said that 19 alleged members of the NPA were killed in that operation.

Also reported killed in the Negros clash are student leader from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Alyssa Alano, Bacolod-based journalist RJ Ledesma, a local farmer Roel Sabillo, and a US citizen of Filipino descent.

READ: Who is Alyssa Alano, the UP student leader killed in Negros clash?

The Philippine Army has rejected reports that some of those killed in the encounter in Negros Occidental were civilians. It also maintained that the 79IB acted professionally and in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. 

Duterte in her statement, meanwhile, urged parents and guardians to protect their children and prevent them from joining "violent extremist groups."

“We also call on parents and guardians to remain vigilant in guiding and monitoring the activities of their children, ensuring they are protected from harmful influences and prevented from being drawn into violent extremist groups. Strong families and communities are essential in building a secure and peaceful future for our nation,” she said. —VAL, GMA News