Navy officer tops combat awardees during AFP’s 81st anniversary

President Rodrigo Duterte, guest of honor at the Armed Forces of the Philippines anniversary held on Wednesday, awarded Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Balidoc of the Naval Special Operations Group, with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest award for combat, for his “conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an enemy” when the battled against members of the Maute Group in Butig, Lanao del Sur last Feb 25. FRANCES MANGOSING

An elite Navy officer led this year’s top awardees for combat at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 81st anniversary held at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Balidoc of the Naval Special Operations Group, was awarded with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest award for combat, for his “conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an enemy” when he battled against members of the Maute Group in Butig, Lanao del Sur last Feb 25.

The 27-year-old junior officer is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2011.

President Rodrigo Duterte, the guest of honor, handed out the awards to the outstanding military personnel and civilian employees.

The Gold Cross Medal, the third highest award for combat, was given to Lt. Jay Maravilla and Cpl. Felipe Barbadillo. Maravilla, a Scout Ranger, was recognized for his “gallantry in action” during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu last August 26.

Barbadillo of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6, meanwhile, was awarded for his role in neutralizing the armed group of Jaafar Sabiwang Maguid, a local terrorist group believed to be linked with the IS at Brgy. Butril Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat in November last year.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal was given to Colonel Nestor Bautista and Major Dennis Guillermo.

Bautista was recognized for his “extraordinary and distinguished service” that he rendered as host to the Philippine-Australia Defense Cooperation Program Scholars who underwent the Australian Familiarization Course at Royal Australian Familiarization Course at Royal Australian Air Force Base in Laverton from March 2005 to March 2016.

Guillermo was awarded for his role in the intelligence operation that resulted to the succesfful neutralization of three members of the Maute and Tokboy groups behind the Davao City night market bombing.

Other awardees were:

Major Eduard Sia-ed — Gawad Sa Kaunlaran, for his community relations activities that uplifted the plight of the people in Itbayat Island in Batanes.

Maj. Mark Lester Gannaban — Bronze Cross for risking his life as a pilot when he responded to the aerial forest fire at Mt. Apo.

Ssg Ritchie Navales — Bronze Cross for his role at a military combat operation against the Maute Group in Butog, Lanao del Sur.

CAA Sandy Sentelices — Kagitingan sa Barangay for risking his life beyond the call of duty for the successive encounters operating in Camarines Sur.

Techical Sergeant Adriano Reginales — AFP Enlisted Personnel of the year

Marvinea Fernandez—AFP Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year

Virginia de Luna—AFP Model Civilian Employee of the Year