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.

"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.

By maintaining his presence of mind despite the wound on his buttock, he ferociously fought the enemy, rallied his men and ordered systematic maneuvers and strict adherence to fire discipline by firing only at sure enemy targets to conserve ammunition.

With his brilliance in combat, STAFF SERGEANT CUENCA repeatedly repulsed and subdued the enemy’s continued attempts to overrun their detachment.

Although outnumbered, he led his men in holding their ground for almost three (3) hours of heavy firefight with the enemy.