AFP lauds Duterte decision to increase gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): AFP lauds Duterte decision to increase gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed its gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for increasing the montly gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees from PHP25,000 to PHP75,000 effective January 2017.

”We are grateful to our Commander-in-Chief (as the increase in gratuity pay) will serve as inspiration to all of our soldiers as this shows the President’s concern for the sacrifices and heroism demonstrated by all our troops,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in Filipino.

The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest combat medal, being awarded to only 40 military personnel of which 17 are still surviving to date.

It was first awarded to Filipino military and constabulary personnel early in the 1900s.

The medal is awarded by the President of the Philippines to members of the AFP and allied military personnel, including recognized guerrilla forces.

It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

With this privilege now in the offing, Arevalo is hopeful that this incentive will push all AFP personnel into serve the country and nation further so that lasting peace will reign in the land.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=950318