PA decorates BFP operatives, fire volunteers hurt in Fort Bonifacio blast

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19): PA decorates BFP operatives, fire volunteers hurt in Fort Bonifacio blast

The Philippine Army (PA) awarded Military Merit Medal on Monday to 11 Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officers and the Military Civic Action Medal to 16 fire volunteers wounded in the May 7 fire and explosion that gutted the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) battalion headquarters at the Army Support Command (ASCOM) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Given the Military Merit Medal during ceremonies held at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio were Fire Insp. Maria Leah A. Sajili, Fire Officer 3 Aristeo R. Reloj, Fire Officer 3 Herle L. Barrios, Fire Officer 2 Leo G. Palconit, Fire Officer 2 Alter F. Borug, Fire Officer 2 Edsel N. Estrella, Fire Officer 1 Annabelle A. Alinlig, Fire Officer 1 Mohammad J. Salahuddin, Fire Officer 1 Rossana M. Chipay, Fire Officer 1 Revelyn G. Lindero and Fire Officer 1 Maricel L. Lusuegeo.

Those who received the Military Civic Action Medal were fire volunteers Agrepano Santos, Micheal Cabab, Loule Chang, Elver Santos, Rodolfo Franco, John Paulo Latin, Edbert Cuaresma, Allan Gabito, Herbert Pavila, Ariel Vasquez, Francisco Gacusana, Julius Donesa, Jeffrey Favila, Emmanuel Ribaya, Rober Favila and Rommel Favila.

A plaque of appreciation was also presented to the Taguig City Fire Station, Pasay City Fire Station, Makati City Fire Station, Valenzuela Fire Station, Pasig Brotherhood Fil-Chinese Fire Volunteers, Old Parañaque Fire Volunteer Brigade Inc., and the PNP's Southern Police District.

In his speech, PA commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri recognized the services rendered by the BFP personnel and volunteer firefighters who responded immediately during the incident and disregarded their own safety, thereby preventing further damage to nearby Army facilities and civilian establishments.

"Today, we honor these admirable volunteers and inter-agency partners for braving their mission last May 7, not to prove their courage and skills, but to help; and they did successfully, but were also caught in the pandemonium during an explosion. Please accept the Philippine Army's profound thanks to each one of you for joining hands with us during the unfortunate incident at ASCOM two weeks ago," he said.

Iriberri also asked for prayers, particularly for 1st Lt. Dinar Alosada, one of the severely injured victims who is still confined at the East Avenue Medical Center, and the other casualties who are recovering from various degrees of burns and injuries.

At present, five victims are still recuperating at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio and three at the AFP Medical Center in V. Luna.

Iriberri likewise urged every member of the PA to commit themselves to the strict observance of safety measures in their respective units, and the preparedness in responding to disasters such as the fire incident at the EOD Battalion headquarters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=644990