Yecla was adjudged as Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations during the PMA Alumni Homecoming 2023 at Fort Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City on February 18.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who served as Guest of Honor and Speaker personally handed him the award, which was also witnessed by EastMinCom Commander, Lieutenant General Greg T. Almerol.
Yecla is the first brigade commander to receive such award owing to his extraordinary accomplishments during his stint as Commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade (IB) which covers Davao City and parts of Davao del Norte.
Prior to his assumption as 1003rd IB brigade commander, Yecla served as Task Force Davao commander and was the brainchild of Davao City's culture of security.
Yecla was the first brigade leader to achieve within six months a total victory versus the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) based on the marching order of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
It was also the first brigade to attain "ZERO" enemy based on the official AFP-PNP Periodic Status Report since 2nd Quarter of 2022 (zero active and zero watchlist);
In his leadership, there had been no AFP combat casualties incurred against the enemy and no firearms lost during the brigade's campaign.
Likewise, there were no recorded human rights violations committed, which only shows that they respect human life.
In his message sent to News Fort, Yecla said the award is not just a testament of the effective design and application of operation art in military that led to the defeat of the insurgents in his area of responsibility but also a recognition of the sacrifices of the men and women of the brigade and support of all Davaoeños.
“With this award, I am further inspired to work harder for the security of the people,”Yecla said.
EastMinCom, meanwhile, congratulates Yecla for his latest achievement.
"We are proud of you, sir! Thank you for bringing pride and honor to our Command," EastMinCom said.
Photos from 1003rd IB