AFP honors soldiers in Sulu battle

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 18): AFP honors soldiers in Sulu battle

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will honor today (Thursday) 28 soldiers, led by a junior officer, who gallantly fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu that led to the release of two foreign hostages during the AFP’s 79th Founding Anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo.

Leading the awardees is Army Lt. Dante Espiritu of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, who led his troops in a fierce firefight against more than 300 ASG rebels in Talipao, Suluy.

Espiritu will receive the Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS), the second highest combat medal next to the Medal of Valor.

President Benigno Aquino will be the guest of honor in today’s AFP rites under the theme “Sandatahang Lakas: Ika-79 taong Naglilingkod ng tapat tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kasaganaan.”

“Our anniversary celebration will be modest, but special nonetheless since this is an opportunity to showcase developments in our reform and modernization programs in the AFP,” said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Other awardees include Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao and Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, who will both receive the Philippine Legion of Honor – Degree of Officer for their meritorious and valuable services rendered in a position of major responsibility.

Lactao was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in December 2013 to September 2014 and current Commander of the 4th Infantry Division.

Balutan, meanwhile, was cited for his numerous accomplishments as the former commander of the 1st Marine Brigade from November 2010 to February 2014 and now Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal will also be awarded to Maj. Gen. Victor Bayani, Col. Alvin Francis Javier, and Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista as Project Manager of three In-House Research and Development Projects; Commander and General Manager of AFP Commissary and Exchange Service; and Project Manager of a Career Development Project, respectively.

The Distinguished Service Stars, meanwhile, will be given to Brig. Gen. Vic Castro, commander of 702nd Brigade from March 2012 to April 2014; Lt. Col. Erick Escarcha, Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 11 from April 2013 to April 2014; and Cdr. Marcos Imperio, Commander of Naval Communications, Electronics, and Information Service Center from September 2007 to March 2014.

Also, Col. Jorge Lomboy of the AFP Peace Process Office and Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera of the Technical Working Group for Cordillera People’s Liberation Army will receive the Gawad sa Kapayapaan award for their efforts in the successful peace agreement with former CPLA rebels in Northern Luzon.

The Gold Cross Medal award, the fourth highest military award, will be given to Capt. Edwin Duclan, Ground Commander of Joint Special Operations Unit 1 in Macalang, Al Barka Basilan; Lt. Alfie Ayo, Platoon Leader, 31st Infantry Battalion in Upper Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon; and SSg. Andly Mejos, 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights.

The Gawad sa Kaunlaran, an award for meritorious and valuable achievement in the pursuit of socio-economic and non-combat activities, will be awarded to Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, U7, Wesmincom; Col. Joseph Acosta, Medical Incident Commander in Samar and Leyte; Lt. Col. Reynaldo Gabinete, Disaster Response Operation Unit in Bohol; and Maj. Alano Abdulhalim, member of CMO in Western Mindanao.

The Bronze Cross Medal, on the other hand, will be awarded to Lt. Cdr. Bennie Demetillo for their successful anti-illegal drugs campaign; Capt. Carlo David, UH-1H pilot; and Cpl. Antonio Manipis Jr. for heroism following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda.

Col. Glicerio Peralta, the commander of 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia, will also receive a United Nations Service Medal and Ribbon. He was among the four peacekeepers who have just finished their quarantine at the AFP Medical Center last week.

CAA Sergio EbañezJr, member of the 17th CAFGU, A Coy, 72nd Infantry Battalion, will receive the Kagitingan sa Barangay award for the risk of life beyond the call of duty during an encounter with over 30 NPAs in Compostela Valley.

The Outstanding Achievement Award (OAM) will be given to TSg. Joselito Luna as EP of the year; Mr. Nilo Abaigar as Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year; Dr. Shiela Liboon as Model Civilian Employee of the Year; Cadet Lt. Col. Jan Rogie Macandili as Male ROTC Cadet of the Year; and Cadette Maj. Joy Nathalie Avelino as Female ROTC Cadet of the Year.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/18/afp-honors-soldiers-in-sulu-battle/