MANILA, Philippines -- For helping foil a robbery on a bus in Misamis Oriental late December, a soldier was promoted and awarded the Gold Cross Medal, the third highest award given to troops.

Corporal Franklin L. Casio of the 58th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and given his medal during the Army’s first flag ceremony for 2009 Monday, which Lieutenant General Victor Ibrado, Army chief, attended.

On Dec. 30, 2008, Casio was on board a bus when three armed men held up the vehicle while it was passing through the National Highway in Barangay (village) Duka, Medina, Misamis Oriental.

Together with fellow passenger, Fire Senior Superintendent Alejandro Cagampang of the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 10, Casio engaged the armed men in a firefight which killed the suspects.

“Corporal Casio manifested true and genuine spirit of the Army soldier being a real protector of the people and a source of national pride. He gave us the initial glory for this year,” said Ibrado in a statement.

Ibrado urged the Army to continue its part in fulfilling its commitment to serve the people and in doing so push forward its thrust to fight insurgency and other obstacles to national unity and progress.

“I count on all members of Team Army to be shining examples of discipline and committed service to the nation, as we reach out to our people and encourage their participation in our initiatives for community, societal, and national growth,” he said.

Ibrado also noted that the Army would strengthen inter-agency partnerships and promote public participation in activities aimed at peace and development.