PAF honors Marawi air campaign heroes

Recognizing their valuable contributions that led to the liberation of the Marawi from the hands of the Maute terror group last year, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) recently honored its pilots and tactical units with medals, crosses, and citations in salute of their service to the country.

The Tactical Operations Command (TOC) and Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao (TOW-WESTMIN) jointly hosted the Marawi Air Campaign Commemoration (MACC) last week at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) in Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen Carlito Galvez Jr., himself led the event also attended by PAF chief, Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar, WestMInCom Commander Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) chief Real Admiral Rene Medina, Wing Commanders of the different Tactical Operations Wings and Groups (TOWs/TOGs), and commanders of Mindanaobased Army Brigades/Joint Task Forces (JTFs).

Highlight of the event was the giving of individual and unit awards to PAF personnel for their gallantry in action in support of the ground troops in Marawi during the fivemonth long battle to free the Islamic City.

Among those awarded with the Gold Cross Medal were Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano of the 5th Fighter Wing, capt. Vincent Paclibar, and Master Sgt. Cesar Lubi.

The Distinguished Aviation Cross was awarded to Maj. Dennis Tadeo, Lt. Col. Karol Prejillano, Maj. Rolando Aguhob, and Technical Sgt. Roberto Sabillon.

Plaques of Recognition were likewise given to various tactical, strike, airlift, air base, intelligence, and security wings of the PAF.