A Squad Leader of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) under the Bravo Company of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division based in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon won in the recently concluded ‘Tribute to Soldiers’ Awards of The Manila Times held at Manila Hotel, Metro Manila on August 26, 2024.
Sergeant Jerwen Pairat was named the Best Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for Community Service under the Civil Service Category.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. presented the said award to Sgt. Pairat, along with other awardees from different categories.
The MCSST under Sgt. Pairat was deployed in remote areas in Bukidnon to continuously monitor and strengthen government programs, hence, sustaining peace gains and development, especially in vulnerable communities. Through these efforts, his team was able to facilitate the surrender of several CPP NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in their area, resulting in the decline of the number of CTG members and their firepower. Their recent achievement was the surrender of CNTs under Squad 3 of the Headquarters Force Neo of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
Furthermore, the 8IB was also one of the nominees as Best AFP Unit in the said tribute.
In his remarks, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of 4ID expressed appreciation to The Manila Times for its recognition of the efforts of the Diamond troopers in maintaining peace and development in communities considered as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. He added that this recognition will further amplify the morale and confidence of soldiers serving on the frontline thereby sustaining their gains against the CTG and uplifting the lives of the people they serve.
The Manila Times and The Manila Times TV in collaboration with the AFP launched the ‘Tribute to soldiers’ awards to raise public awareness of the extraordinary and everyday heroism and sacrifices of Filipino soldiers.
