Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito G. Galvez Jr, visited the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Saturday and awarded medals to deserving personnel who contributed in the liberation of Marawi City.
Maj. General Carlito Galvez (Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN)
June 9, 2018 marks the first official visit of General Galvez to the Headquarters of the Philippine Army since his assumption of office on April 18, this year.
Galvez was warmly welcomed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, who also accorded him with traditional military honors.
The highlight of Galvez’ visit to the Army headquarters was the awarding of medals to deserving personnel who contributed in the liberation of Marawi City.
These comprised of seven Gold Cross Medal conferred to one Officer and three enlisted personnel, five Silver Cross Medal for two Officers and three enlisted personnel and three Military Merit Medal to one Officer and two enlisted personnel.
During his message, Galvez did not fail to mention how proud he was to be an Army officer especially now that he is holding the highest position in the AFP.
He said that he always cherished the times while he was still with the Army. He has a very colorful career having served mostly with the Rangers fighting terrorist, insurgents and other threat groups in various parts of the country.
He also inspired the troops by mentioning the distinctive courage of Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa, a member of the elite Scout Ranger who despite being wounded five times remained undisturbed and possessed the passion to serve in the frontline.
Galvez said his significant exploit was when he directly dropped his body over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) just to protect his fellow Rangers during the height of Marawi campaign. His story indeed captured the admiration of the Filipinos and the world for extraordinary dedication and act of heroism.
Galvez recalled that during his visit in Zamboanga Station Hospital wherein he met Staff Sergeant Basa, he was truly touched by the soldier’s gesture. He averred that despite his condition, wherein he could barely lift his arm due to sustained wounds still he attempted to render a snappy salute.
The Chief of Staff also made emphasis on the guidance and thrust of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. He conveyed to the troops that the President is fully supportive of the AFP’s program and even instructed him to expedite the current Army Modernization Program in order to increase its core competency and capabilities in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the state.
“The unfathomable sacrifices of our soldiers’ blood, sweat and tears will not be put in vain. As the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I will ensure that all your requirements in your operation will be provided to facilitate the accomplishment of your mission,” Galvez said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/10/afp-chief-awards-medals-of-valor-to-personnel-who-helped-in-marawi/
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