December 4, 2024
MANILA – “Itum,” an aspin (asong Pinoy) working as a tracking dog, has been given the “Military Working Dog Achievement Medal” for “exemplary performance” in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in the Visayas.
Itum received the medal from Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command (Viscom), during his visit to the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Old Namangka, Negros Oriental, over the weekend.
The tracker dog found a communist rebel’s body, a .45-caliber pistol and other war materiel at Gatusla village following an encounter in Candoni town, Negros Occidental, on Nov. 21, the AFP Viscom said.
READ: AFP awards medals to 2 dogs, cites their role vs insurgency
Eight New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of clashes with the Army’s 47th IB and 15th IB from Nov. 21 to Nov. 24 in the towns of Candoni and Hinobaan.
Soldiers later overran an alleged rebel camp and recovered high-powered firearms.
“Itum’s significant contribution underscores the importance of integrating specialized capabilities in military operations. Itum’s keen senses and determination were instrumental in tracking down the withdrawing NPA terrorists, leading to another breakthrough in the operation,” Reyeg said during the awarding ceremony.