Army division commander honors outstanding troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30): Army division commander honors outstanding troopers

Commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., on Wednesday honored soldiers who took the extra mile in performing their duties, leading to the recovery of high-powered firearms during a law enforcement operation in North Cotabato.

In simple ceremonies here, eight Army troopers and a Reconnaissance Company were presented the "Bronze Cross Medals" and "command plaques".

The recipients of the Bronze Cross Medal were 1Lt. Johntonee M. Olave; 2Lt. Bryan Marvin P. Tabor; Sgt. Arnel A. Padawan; Cpl. Joan B. Gomez; Cpl. Mar O. Botanas; and PFC Rex P. Lebonpasil for successfully recovering one tube of 40 mm., six hand grenades, one ammo box, one upper receiver of M16 rifle, one hand guard of M203 40 mm., assorted parts of a .50-caliber pistol, two improvised barret rifles, five garand rifles, one homemade Rocket Propelled Grenade, and one M-14 rifle during the conduct of search and clearing operations against Barangay chairperson Datu Rene “Renz” Tukuran in Barangay Lumopog, Midsayap, North Cotabato last November 24.

Tukuran, a wanted drug trafficker, was the subject of a search warrant by the raiding team for violating Republic Acts 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Presidential Decree 1866.

Meanwhile, the 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company (62DRC) of the 6th ID was awarded a "Command Plaque" for their outstanding performance during the conduct of major operations in Talitay, Maguindanao and Barangay Lumopog, Midsayap North, Cotabato on Nov. 18-26 that resulted in the recovery of crew-served weapons, high-powered firearms and 18,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The 62DRC carried its mission to implement the standing order of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Their accomplishment significantly degraded the armed capability of drug lords in Central Mindanao.
The unit was also awarded by Galvez with a significant cash prize for their heroic and meritorious achievements for the division.

On the other hand, command plaques were given to Cpt. Arturo A. Llaso and T/Sgt. Francis Delino for being adjudged as best chaplain and chaplain assistant of the year, respectively, by the Office of the Army Chaplain Service during the 79th Founding Anniversary of Chaplain Service of the AFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=944472