Fallen soldiers remembered at Army anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — Fallen soldiers were remembered at the Philippine Army’s 118th anniversary held on Monday at Fort Bonifacio.

A total of 172 soldiers were killed on duty since 2014, Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri said.

“We take this occasion to salute our brother-soldiers who died in the name of duty, those who braved gunfire and life-threatening conditions to their job,” he said in his speech.

“We salute the 123 who were killed and 476 wounded in action in 2014. We also salute the five officers, 39 enlisted personnel and five militiamen who have made the ultimate sacrifice and 189 wounded in the line of duty for the two months and 22 days that have passed in 2015,” he also said.

Iriberri noted the some milestones for 2014. These include the arrest of the New People’s Army top officials – Benito and Wilma Tiamzon couple – and other threat group leaders such as Kahir Mundos and Mohammad Ali Tambako.

The Army showcased its fighting equipment and humanitarian and disaster response capabilities at the parade grounds and the Army parading troops also endured the intermittent rains during the program.

A total of 21 military personnel and civilians were also recognized during the anniversary rites.

Leading the awardees were Corporal Narding Pascual who was given the Distinguished Conducted Star for their operations in Surigao del Sur. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir was awarded Distinguished Service Star.

The Gold Cross Medal was given to Second Lieutenant Jeymark Mateo, the platoon leader of the 61st Division Reconnaissance  Company, for reinforcing troops of the Special Action Force during the Mamasapano incident last January, as well as helping out in reinforcements.