 Cuenca was wounded during the three-hour gun battle, but was able to maintain effective leadership of his auxiliaries, forcing the NPAs to withdraw and leaving nine of their number dead on the battlefield.Cuenca was conferred the Medal of Valor for his actions in 1992.Staff Sergeant Roy L Cuenca 638602 PA
Salvacion, Tandag, Surigao Del Sur - 20 October 1991
"For outstanding courage, steadfast and conspicuous gallantry in action, greatly risking his life in extremely dangerous situation above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Cadre Commander of CAFGU Active Auxiliary Salvacion Patrol base, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion, 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division, Philippine Army during a fierce fire fight against one hundred (100) heavily armed NPA rebels at vicinity Barangay Salvacion, Tandag, Surigao del Sur on 200430 October 1991.