For exhibiting bravery and heroism during the
recently-concluded operations against a "local terrorist
organization" (LTO) in Lanao Del Sur, five members of the military were
decorated with the Gold Cross Medal, the nation's third highest award for
combat.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen.
Hernando DCA Iriberri personally decorated Capt. Baltazar L. Marcos, 1st Ariel
O. Bulagao, 2nd Lt. Jesus A. Reyes, Sgt. Rogelio F. Abuan and Cpl. Efren B.
Manicad, all members of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, a field unit of the 1st
Infantry Division.
The presentation ceremonies took place at Marawi City
All five participated in the AFP offensive against the LTO
led by Omar and Abdullah Maute last February 21.
This stemmed from the group's botched attack against a
detachment of the 51st Infantry Battalion in Butig town, Lanao Del Sur on
February 20.
The Mautes are believed to be allies with elements of
terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah and have connections to a foreign terrorist
neutralized in 2012.
The almost three-week government assault, backed by air,
artillery and armored vehicles, killed an estimated 42 terrorists, 24 of which
are confirmed by intelligence reports.
Six troopers were killed in the ensuing encounters.
As of this posting, clearing and de-mining operations are
still ongoing on Barangay Tee, the brigands' main base in Butig town.
Silver Cross Medals were also given to 1st Lt. Sydney P.
Garcia, Technical Sgt. Leopoldo D. Albana,Staff Sgt. Mario L. Salinas, Staff
Sgt. Ronald E. Vino, and Cpl. Diamael T. Macapanton.
While Bronze Cross Medals were handed out to Capt. Ricardo
B. Nolasco, Technical Sgt. Augusto I. Grande, Staff Sgt. Renante C. Catalan,
Staff Sgt. Rolly P. Perez and Pfc. Benoch D. Larona.
Military Merit Medals were also given to Staff Sgt.
Ferdinand G. Villavicencio, Sgt. Franky L. Lazaga, Sgt. Lew Mark A. Mendiola,
Cpl. Antonio N. Balmores and Cpl. Rogelio D. Martin.
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