5 soldiers in Marawi battle get awards

CAMP O’DONNELL, TARLAC—Five soldiers who participated in the operation to retake Marawi City from Maute terrorists were honored on Tuesday by their mother unit, the Mechanized Infantry Division, during its 11th activation celebration in this military camp in Capas town. 2nd Lt. Francis Alvison Serrano, Sgt. Rogelio Abuan, Staff Sgts. Joeric Ureta and Edward Hipol, and Cpl. Joel Martin were given merit awards in ceremonies led by retired Armed Forces chief of staff, Efren Abu.

In his speech, Abu said: “Our military forces are moving towards advanced technology.

This is not only going to be the trend but this is the ardent necessity for us to upgrade the capability of the local defense and at least [improve our capability] against foreign invasion.” “But make no mistake.

Technology cannot replace a soldier. It only improves his war-fighting ability,” he said. —MARIA CALAYAG