An Army general accused of not providing immediate support to the embattled Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the infamous Mamasapano clash is among the 25 individuals to be awarded on the Army's 119th foundation anniversary.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan is cited for his "outstanding services rendered to internal and security and valuable contribution in promoting societal understanding and reconciliation" as concurrent commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central.
In his citation, Pangilinan, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983, is praised for his "exceptional leadership, managerial acumen and incessant motivation."
It also said under his leadership, "the 6ID contributed immensely to the attainment of the unprecedented peace and development that now prevails over Central Mindanao."
The citation also mentioned Pangilinan's support to the peace process, "making sure that the peace mechanisms and programs are implemented"
Pangilinan will receive the Gawad sa Kapayapaan Medal on Tuesday from President Benigno Aquino III, who will be presiding over the rites at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.
Former SAF chief Director Getulio Napeñas has blamed the 6ID's late support for the deaths of 44 SAF commandos during the implementation of Oplan Exodus, a police operation to neutralize foreign terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25, 2015.
Napeñas said he requested for military assistance on the morning of January 25 after learning that the outnumbered SAF troops were being fired upon by armed men in the area, which included members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has a peace agreement with the government.
Pangilinan said he could not immediately act on the request, which was done through a text message, due to incomplete information and the presence of civilian communities in the area.
Meanwhile, also to be awarded on Tuesday is 1Lt. Dionizer Mark Delos Santos, who will be conferred the Distinguish Conduct Star, the second highest military decoration in combat.
Delos Santos, a member of the PMA CLass of 2008, led a platoon from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion during an operation against New People’s Army rebels on Sept. 4, 2014 in Abra province.
The clash resulted in deaths of six rebels and the recovery of six high-powered firearms
To receive Gold Cross Medals are 2Lt. Franz Arvin Balmaceda and Cpl. Cliforduin Bade “for gallantry in action” in clashes with communist rebels and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
To be conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Legionnaire) is Col. Juvymax Uy, current commander of the Task Force Zamboanga, for his role in the "actual conduct of extensive and intensive case build-up and intelligence operations" from Sept. 21, 2014 to May 3, 2015.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/559907/news/nation/army-general-blamed-for-saf-deaths-to-receive-award
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