(News Feature) Join fight against ASG, other terror threats and win Medal of Valor

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25): (News Feature)Join fight against ASG, other terror threats and win Medal of Valor

Military personnel interested in winning the Medal of Valor, the nation's highest combat decoration, now have an opportunity so by volunteering in the ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other terrorist threats.

This was Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año's challenge to the 125,000-strong military Tuesday.

""If you want a Medal of Valor and you need the opportunity to earn it, volunteer and join the fight against the ASG and other terrorist groups," he dared.

Año made public this challenge during his visit to Western Mindanao Command (WMC) headquarters at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City on Jan. 24.

The WMC is at the forefront of the fight against the ASG and other lawless elements
Año’s call is in-line with his earlier request that military personnel give their all in the ongoing campaign against the various terror threats be ended decisively.

"We will not allow them foothold here in the Philippines. We have to 'nip the bud' in six months before they can ever thrive in our country. We cannot afford a protracted war," he added.

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 can also be given posthumously. 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.

Awardees are also given a Php75,000 gratuity monthly starting this 2017 or P50,000 higher than the previous allowance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=958036