Commander in killing of 12 terrorists awarded Gold Cross Medal

From Update.Ph (Mar 8): Commander in killing of 12 terrorists awarded Gold Cross Medal

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Flores received a Gold Cross Medal during an awarding ceremony held at the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) Headquarters in Camp General Teodolfo Baustista, Jolo, Sulu on March 7.

Flores is the commander of 32nd Infantry Battalion which encountered the Abu Sayyaf Group in Panamao, Sulu on January 31 that resulted to the death of 12 and wounding of five terrorists under ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

Another one was awarded a Gold Cross Medal, two was awarded Silver Cross Medals, and eight were awarded with Military Merit Medals.

“We congratulate our awardees. We know the sacrifices you have made to protect our country and to suppress these lawless elements who are trying to dominate this island,” National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the troops.

Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año was with Lorenzana during the awarding ceremony.

“We know how hard it is to fight here in Sulu because you’re fighting a very experienced and determined enemy,” Lorenzana added. “I congratulate you all for the job well done.”

At least 32 Abu Sayyaf members have been killed by government forces since January 2017.

“We are closely monitoring your day-to-day activities here,” he told the troops. “We in the AFP and the PNP will sustain our operations against the Abu Sayyaf, and we will try to finish them within six months from January 1 to June 30.”

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/commander-in-killing-of-12-terrorists-awarded-gold-cross-medal/15408