AFP honors 18 for exemplary service

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. awarded 16 soldiers and two civilian military personnel with medals and citations in recognition of their selfless service and sacrifices for the nation yesterday.

“This Monday morning’s flag raising ceremony is made more special with the presence of our fellow soldiers who have brought great honor and pride through their commendable service, not only to the organization, but to the whole nation as well,” he said.

Awarded with the Gold Cross Medal were Maj. Ryedel Reynaldo Cabugon, 1st Lt. Brian Palencia, PFCs Enrique Macinas and Dondon Onsar all from the Philippine Army; Maj. Michael Rabina; Staff Sgts. Ronaldo Suarez and Glenn Grafa, all from the Philippine Air Force; and 1st Lts. George Galzote and Jobert Jude both from the Philippine Marines.

The Silver Cross Medal was awarded to Lt. Col. Francis Julius Buyucan from the Philippine Marines while the Meritorious Achievement Medal was awarded to Col. Ferdinand Torres from the Philippine Airforce, Col. Consolito Yecla, Col. Alex Rillera, Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr., and Maj. Benjamin Cadiente Jr. all from the Philippine Army.

Col. Raul Bautista from the Philippine Army on the other hand received the Command Plaque while civilian employees from the GHQ, Emma Sicar and Kyle Kristoffer Salongcay were both were awarded the Chief of Staff Commendation Medal.

The AFP said most of the awardees made significant contributions in the successful liberation of Marawi from the Maute-ISIS terrorists last year, whether in combat or non-combat operations. Other recipients performed outstandingly in policy development to contribute in the systems advancement of the organization.

“The sacrifices of the Filipino soldiers and civilian human resource are aplenty, and a simple recognition could mean so much to them. True to what they say, no one can defeat an inspired heart and soul,” Galvez said.