Army, navy officers awarded for service in Marawi battle

ARMY AND Navy officers were recognized Monday for their service in Marawi, where troops battled for five months against followers of the Islamic State who took siege of the city. Gold Cross Medals were awarded to two officers and four enlisted personnel of the Philippine Marines Corps, namely; 1st Lt. Bobby Gabayno, 1st Lt. Kim Adrian Martal, Sergeant Lito Malana, Sgt. Sherwin Seraspe, Corporal Johnson Curato, and Corporal Rodrigo Palting, Jr. The six were cited for their gallantry in action during an armed engagement with an undetermined number of members of the Maute group. “I would like to congratulate all the awardees for their well-deserved medals and awards,” Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., head of the Western Mindanao Command, said at the awarding held during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. A command plaque was also presented to Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, for his leadership and management skills during the Marawi crisis. Three personnel from the Naval Intelligence and Service Group-Western Mindanao were also given the Distinguished Navy Cross and the Military Merit Medal. President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared Marawi “liberated from the terrorist influence” on Oct. 17. —