Lieutenant General Fernando M. Reyeg PA, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command (VISCOM), conducted a series of unit visits in Negros Occidental on Friday, April 24, 2026, honoring troops for exceptional courage and reinforcing peace efforts across the region.
The VISCOM commander personally visited the headquarters of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Libas, Isabela, and the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) in Sagay City, both located in Negros Occidental. According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Israel O. Galorio, Chief of Public Information Office at VISCOM, these engagements focused on recognizing gallantry, reinforcing leadership, and sustaining focused military operations among frontline units.
The visits underscored the importance of direct leadership, operational assessment, and maintaining momentum in internal security operations across the Visayas region, the military official said.
Distinguished Personnel Receive Gallantry Awards
A significant highlight of the visit was the awarding of distinguished personnel from the 79th Infantry Battalion. Six Gold Cross Medals and four Silver Cross Medals were conferred for acts of gallantry during an armed encounter that occurred on April 19 in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
According to the military report, this operation resulted in the neutralization of key New People's Army (NPA) personalities and significantly weakened the enemy's ability to sow terror in the area. The medals recognize the exceptional courage displayed by the troops during this critical engagement.
The Gold Cross Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The Silver Cross Medal recognizes similar acts of gallantry of a lesser degree but still representing exceptional courage under fire.
Leadership Emphasis on Tactical Excellence
In his address to the troops, Lieutenant General Reyeg emphasized the critical role of leadership at the tactical level, particularly among young officers and small unit leaders. "We must continuously capacitate and empower our small unit leaders, including our young Officers, to ensure they perform their duties effectively," Reyeg stated during the visit.
The VISCOM commander expressed expectations for continued proactive measures against emerging threats. "I expect every unit to remain proactive in addressing emerging threats and operational challenges, exercising uncompromising commitment to mission accomplishment," he added.
Reyeg's emphasis on tactical leadership reflects the military's focus on developing competent field commanders who can effectively respond to security challenges in their respective areas of responsibility.
Community Engagement and Long-term Security Goals
The general underscored the importance of translating battlefield victories into sustained security gains for local communities. "Our mission does not end with tactical success. We must sustain our efforts, strengthen our engagement with communities, and ensure that peace is felt and experienced by every Filipino in our area of responsibility," Reyeg explained.
This approach reflects the military's comprehensive strategy that goes beyond combat operations to include community development and peace-building initiatives. The commander emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires continued collaboration between military forces and civilian communities.
According to the statement, VISCOM's strategy involves not only neutralizing security threats but also addressing the root causes of conflict through community engagement and support for affected families.
Call for Peaceful Resolution of Armed Conflict
Lieutenant General Reyeg conveyed a measured appeal to remaining members of armed groups, balancing firmness with opportunities for peaceful resolution. "We remain committed to ending insurgency through lawful and decisive means, while keeping the doors of peace open for those who will choose to abandon violence," he stated.
However, the commander also made clear that continued hostility would face appropriate response. "Continued hostility will be met with resolute action, as our troops will not be deterred in fulfilling their mandate to protect our people," Reyeg warned.
The general emphasized that the military's responsibility extends beyond combat operations to include support for families affected by the conflict. "Our responsibility extends beyond the battlefield; we must also ensure that affected families are engaged, supported, and given pathways toward healing and recovery," he explained.
Appeal to Remaining NPA Members
In a direct appeal to remaining Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) members in the Visayas region, Lieutenant General Reyeg called for their surrender and return to peaceful civilian life. "In the spirit of lasting peace, we call on those remaining members of the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law," he stated.
The commander emphasized that opportunities exist for former combatants to rebuild their lives. "There is always an opportunity to start anew and live a peaceful life with your families," Reyeg added, stressing that continued resistance only prolongs suffering for the individuals involved and their families.
This appeal is part of the government's broader strategy of combining military pressure with opportunities for peaceful reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society.
Strengthening Regional Security Operations
The unit visits and medal ceremonies represent part of VISCOM's ongoing efforts to maintain high morale and operational effectiveness among frontline troops. The recognition of gallantry serves both to honor individual courage and to reinforce standards of professional military service.
The 94th and 79th Infantry Battalions play crucial roles in maintaining security across their respective areas of operation in Negros Occidental. Their continued operations are part of the military's sustained campaign against insurgent groups operating in the region.
According to the military statement, these focused military operations have contributed to significant improvements in the security situation across the Visayas region, with the April 19 encounter in Toboso representing a notable tactical success.
The VISCOM commander's visits demonstrate the military leadership's commitment to maintaining direct contact with frontline units and ensuring that troops receive appropriate recognition for their service and sacrifice in securing peace and stability for Filipino communities.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of VISCOM, AFP