Soldiers, civilian personnel, receive awards for aiding Marawi ops

Fourteen soldiers and four civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received awards on Monday for their service to the country during and after the Marawi siege in 2017.

During the flag raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. pinned the Gold Cross Medal to 1st Lt. Eddie Badol, 1st Lt. Jed Joseph Dandasan, Sgt. Julius Garsuta, Sgt. Wayne Fillalan, PFC Marcelo Hora Jr., all from the Philippine Army (PA); and A1C James Gayotin from the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The AFP said the golden cross awards were in recognition of their gallantry in action during the 2017 war against terrorist groups in Marawi City.

“These public servants are stewards of our institution — a crucial aspect that keeps us on our steadfast pursuit of becoming a world-class AFP.  For it is through outstanding work that manifests our dedication to better serve our nation,” Galvez said in his message.

A Distinguished Aviation Cross award was also given to 1st Lt. Julius Macasiray PAF for conducting aerial operations.  The Distinguished Navy Cross, on the other hand, were given to Cdr Gilbert Villareal Jr. and SCPO Mario Vasquez, both from the Philippine Navy (PN) for being part of the Naval Task Unit Marawi.

The Chief of Staff Commendation Medals and Ribbons were given to PA’s Maj Jeremy Damonsong, SSg Ariel Gregorio, and Sgt July Lipaopao for their achievements during the Marawi planning operations.

Other PA personnel such as Col. Noel Vestur and LTC Resurrecion Mariano were given the Gawad sa Kaunlaran for their activities in recognizing the soldiers’ sacrifices.

The same award was given to Michael Manaois, Susan Bascon, Mark John Ulep, and Myka Loraine Nacionales, civilian employees who helped the beneficiaries of Killed-in-Action (KIA) personnel and the wounded soldiers.

On May 23, 2017, a group of separatists and extremists pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) attacked the city of Marawi, burning several establishments and holding numerous residents captive.

The siege ended on October 17, 2017, after military forces killed Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon.

READ: Battle for Marawi: Bitter siege that left a city in ruins

Galvez said he hopes this would serve as an inspiration for soldiers and Filipinos to work for the betterment of the country.

“As we start another week, may we continually be motivated to work not for ourselves, but always for the benefit of our nation,” he said. /ee