The Philippine Army (PA), during its 118th anniversary on
Monday, decorated 2nd Lt. Jeymark Y. Mateo with the Gold Cross Medal for his
efforts in extricating Special Action Force (SAF) men pinned down in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.
The Gold Cross Medal is the third highest combat award in
the Philippines
"As platoon leader of the 61st Division Reconnaissance
Company, 6th Infantry Division, 2nd Lt. Mateo, together with his platoon,
reinforced the 84th Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF that was engaged in
an encounter with undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) and lawless groups, and was heavily under fire, in Barangay Tukalanipao,
Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25. His group retrieved eight killed, 11
wounded, and 18 unharmed PNP-SAF troopers from the 84th SAC," the PA said
in a statement.
Aside from recovering wounded and slain SAF personnel, Mateo
and his men also recovered equipment and weapons left behind.
Other Gold Cross Medal awardees include 7th Infantry
Division Sgt. Benjamin A. Garlejo. He was recognized for gallantry in action
during an encounter with fully-armed rebels in Barangay Bubon, Camiling,
Tarlac, which resulted in the neutralization of six rebels, the capture of one,
and the recovery of 11 assorted firearms.
Leading this year's awardees were Cpl. Narding N. Pascual,
who earned the Distinguished Conduct Star, and Lt. Col. Noel A. Vestuir, who
received the Distinguished Service Star, for meritorious and valuable service.
Pascual is a squad leader of the Composite Squad from
Charlie Company, 26th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Platoon, 27th Agusan del Sur
CAA Company, the Special Operations Group (SOG) that operates in the hinter
barangays of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Vestuir, on the other hand, transformed his unit into a
highly efficient unit that stood the crucial test in the insurgent-infested province of Northern Samar
Sgt. Arnel S. Labaco was awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal
for acts of heroism involving risk of life.
As member of the Light Reaction Company pursuing Abu Sayyaf
Group bandits, he reinforced the unit from the 2nd Marine Brigade and provided
first aid to the wounded Marines, which action resulted to the successful
casualty evacuation of the wounded personnel.
The Gawad sa Kaunlaran was conferred on Major Virgilio J.
Perez for his meritorious and invaluable participation in the conduct of
humanitarian civic actions in the Bicol region as part of the
Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises 2014, and humanitarian assistance
and disaster response in Southern Leyte .
The Army also commended the exceptional performance of 2nd
Lt. Jake Rancel V. Guellega and Sgt. German A. Guerra who received the Military
Merit Medal; Cpl. Oliver G. Ramirez who was hailed as the Enlisted Personnel of
the Year; CAA Samuel V. Sabanal, named as the CAA of the Year; Engr. Wenefredo
DC Abalos as the Philippine Army Model Supervisor; and Cristina K. Baterbonia
as the Philippine Army Model Employee.
Meanwhile, reservists and ROTC cadets were also recognized.
Among the awardees were Capt. Hubert Christopher A. Dolor, Reservist of the
Year; Sgt. Donnie L. Nietes, Enlisted Personnel Reservist of the Year; Cadet
Harold P. Blanco, ROTC Male cadet; and Cadette Joy Nathalie M. Avelino, ROTC
Female Cadet.
The Command Plaque was also given to Rep. Mel Senen S. Sarmiento
of the 1st District of Western Samar, and the Criminal Investigation and
Detection Group (CIDG) of the PNP.
Sarmiento provided his expertise and advice on governance
and organizational excellence as member of the PA Multi-Sectoral Advisory
Board, while the CIDG-PNP is recognized for its support in the intelligence
operations of the Army.
The provincial government of Ilocos Sur, National Bookstore
Foundation Inc., HERO Foundation Inc., and the Leonio Group of Companies also
received Command Plaques. The above-named civilian stakeholders supported the
Army’s community-based peace and development initiative and projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=747070
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