Catbalogan: Six soldiers of the Philippine Army’s (PA) 8th Infantry Division (ID) were awarded over the weekend for their bravery, integrity, and sacrifice in performing their duties. PA commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarette handed the awards during his visit to the 8th ID headquarters at Camp Lukban in Catbalogan, Samar on Sunday for the division’s 37th founding anniversary.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PA identified the awardees as Capt. Tomy Tagura and Cpl. Merlin Enem, who received the Gold Cross Medal. This medal is awarded to military personnel who demonstrated acts of gallantry in combat. 1st Lt. Methos Shiela Templa and Cpl. Zandro Poto were awarded the Silver Cross Medal, which is for achievement or heroism in intelligence or special operations that do not involve armed conflict. Additionally, Cpl. Randy Anil and Pfc. Kollin Bryan Ocsit were honored with the Wounded Personnel Medal.

Nafarette lauded the officials and personnel of the 8th ID for their efforts in preserving peace in Eastern Visayas for the past 37 years. He emphasized their readiness and operational gains support the PA’s overall mission of protecting people and preserving peace across the country.

In his message, Nafarette praised the unit for their enduring service to the people of Eastern Visayas, highlighting their decades of sacrifice and transformative change. He acknowledged their efforts in strengthening personnel in both combat performance and professional development, aligning with the Army’s focus on unit readiness, modernization, and people-focused leadership.

The PA chief also reiterated his commitment to supporting the 8th ID in sustaining its internal security gains and enhancing people-centric programs, which are essential for the shift to external security operations.