PSG Commander leads 80th AFP Day honorees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 23): PSG Commander leads 80th AFP Day honorees

Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Commo. Raul Ubando led this year’s Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Day honorees as he was conferred with the Philippine Legion of Honor (PLOH) with the Degree of Officer.

“Established by virtue of Army Circular No.60 on July 3, 1947, the PLOH is the highest honor that the President may grant an individual without the concurrence of Congress. It is awarded for meritorious service in military or defense affairs or for contributions to the preservation of honor of the Republic,” AFP said in a statement.

Ubando was cited for exceptionally meritorious and valuable service rendered in a position of major responsibility as PSG Commander during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis last January.

Meanwhile, the Distinguished Conduct Star was awarded to Cpt. Dranreb Lansang for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action while serving as Section Leader of the 5th Scout Ranger Company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion of the First Scout Ranger Regiment during an encounter against about 50 members of the New People’s Army in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on October 6, 2011.

Moreover, the Distinguished Service Star was given to AFP Joint Task Force National Capital Region Commander BGen. Apolinario Alobba for exceptionally meritorious and selfless service rendered in his various positions of major responsibility during the yearlong Philippine hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.

Gold Cross Medal, on the other hand, was bestowed to Sgt. Raul Montero of Special Operations Platoon, 8th Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Brigade; TSg. Menardo Ibanez of the 730th Combat Group, 710th Special Operations Wing, and Pfc. Ronie Gusto of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division.

Other honorees include 2LT. Rezel Faith Sela of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division as recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Medal; MSg. Bernard Blanco of the 730th Combat Group of 710th Special Operations Wing and Pfc. Cyrrus Vincent Verdote of 3rd Special Forces Battalion of Special Forces Regiment as recipients of the Bronze Cross Medal; and CAA Yolly Perez of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division as recipient of Kagitingan sa Barangay with the category of Maginoo.

Also, TSg. Joel Alegre of Office of the Chief of Academy Staff, Philippine Military Academy as Enlisted Personnel of the Year; Wenefredo Abalos of Army Signal as Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year; Efren Tabtab from the Philippine Military Academy as Model Civilian Employee of the Year; C/COL. Juan Miguel Cabrera of De La Salle University-Dasmarinas as Male ROTC Cadet of the Year; and C/LTC. Lanie Martinez of Surigao State University as Female ROTC Cadet of the Year.

“We likewise handed out the Bayanihan Award to partners former Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza (posthumous); H.E.R.O. Foundation; Fr. Marciano Evangelista; and Wanita Dan Harapan Foundation,” the AFP added.

AFP was formally organized during the American Commonwealth era through the National Defense Act of 1935.

This year’s celebration carries the theme “At 80: Advancing, Transforming to protect the people and secure the state.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/561450876972/psg-commander-leads-80th-afp-day-honorees