DWDD: PROMPT AND TIMELY II Zamboanga City defender named PMA Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 22): PROMPT AND TIMELY II Zamboanga City defender named PMA Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations



For helping defend Zamboanga City against rogue Moro National Liberation Front fighters during their unprovoked Sept. 2013 siege, Col. Oriel Pangcog, formerly of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, was named Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations.

Pangcog received the award last Feb. 20 during the annual PMA Alumni Homecoming in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City.

Pangcog is a member of PMA Class 1991.

His PMA Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations read:”(Col. Oriel Pangcog) was the former Battalion Commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, FSSR, SOCOM (Special Operations Command), PA from 12 May 2012 to 20 February 2014. He led the Battalion in a rapid and timely deployment to Zamboanga City as part of the AFP’s follow-on force in what is now known as the Zamboanga City Crisis. During that operation, he was designated as Commander, Joint Special Operations Task Group Arrow and was placed under the Operational Control of Joint Special Operations Task Force Vector. The prompt and timely arrival of 1st SRBn provided the additional Special Operations capability to critically address the worsening situation that time.”

The Zamboanga City siege started on Sept. 9, 2013 and ended on the 28th. Rogue MNLF fighters attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Republik at Zamboanga City Hall.

“At the end of the more than two weeks of intense urban combat never seen in the recent history of the AFP, the 1st SRBn under Cavalier Pangcog was instrumental in the successful clearing of occupied barangays of Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara and was directly credited for the capture of 106 rogue MNLF rebels, killing of 38 others and rescue of 43 hostages and recovery of 100 high-powered firearms,” it further said.

Aside from being named PMA Cavalier Awardee for Army Operations, Pangcog was also decorated with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest award in the AFP.

The latter is now the deputy of the Nueva Ecija- based SOCOM.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/48860-2/