By Francis Wakefield
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. awarded 16 soldiers and two civilian personnel of the AFP in recognition of their selfless service and sacrifices for the nation at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Canopy Area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City today.
In his speech, Galvez said this morning’s flag-raising ceremony was made more special with the presence of their 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.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. pins the Gold Cross Medal to 1Lt George N. Galzote, one of the 18 awardees during the flag-raising ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Canopy Area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, May 28, 2018.
(SSg Randulf Obinque PAF/PAOAFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Awarded with the Gold Cross Medal were Maj. Ryedel Reynaldo C Cabugon, 1st Lt. Brian B. Palencia, PFC Enrique B. Macinas and PFC Dondon M. Onsar all from the Philippine Army; Maj. Michael G. Rabina, S/Sg Ronaldo A. Suarez, and S/Sgt. Glenn B. Grafa all from the Philippine Air Force; 1st Lt. George N. Galzote and 1st Lt. Jobert D. Jude both from the Philippine Marines.
The Silver Cross Medal was awarded to Lt. Col. Francis Julius B. Buyucan from the Philippine Marines. The Meritorious Achievement Medal was awarded to Col. Ferdinand L. Torres from the Philippine Air Force, Col. Consolito P Yecla, Col. Alex S. Rillera, Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr., and Maj. Benjamin D. Cadiente Jr., all from the Philippine Army.
On the other hand, Col. Raul V. Bautista from the Philippine Army received the Command Plaque while Civilian Employees from the GHQ, Emma B. Sicar and Kyle Kristoffer S. Salongcay both were awarded the Chief of Staff Commendation Medal.
“Nothing gives me more fulfillment than to join our soldiers in celebrating their moments of triumphs such as today. It brings me so much pride and joy to witness our men and women humbly accept the products of their selflessness, commitment, dedication, and perseverance,” Galvez said.
Galvez 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 noncombat operations.
Other recipients performed outstandingly in policy development to contribute to the system's 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.