Zamboanga siege heroes recognized

The 2014 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (from L-R): From the Philippine Army: Colonel Teodoro A. Llamas PA, Master Sergeant Aladin S. Dacayanan PA, and Staff Sergeant Rehum P. Magno PA; from the Philippine Navy: Captain Alberto B. Carlos PN, Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla PN (M), Commissary Steward 2nd Class Felix B. Guaves II PN; from the Philippine Air Force: Colonel Adriano SJ. Duadico PAF, Staff Sergeant Sheryl P. Toribio PAF, and Technical Sergeant Benny G. Dofitas PAF; from the Medical Administrative Corps Major Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong III MAC. PHOTO FROM METROBANK FOUNDATION

MANILA, Philippines — After standing their ground in the Zamboanga siege last September, soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were given recognition Monday for their fortitude and sacrifice.

Colonel Teodoro Llamas led the Zamboanga heroes and the other 2014 inductees of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers in a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo.

Llamas said that he is lost for words upon the conferment of the award.

“Personally, my heart is beating so fast right now…it’s a very prestigious honor to be given to us,” Llamas said. “It’s a recognition, not just for us, but for the AFP in general.”

Llamas commanded the Light Reaction Battalion, the primary anti-terror group of the AFP, against the rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front, under fugitive leader Nur Misuari, that laid siege in Zamboanga in Septembet of 2013.

Humbled with the recognition, Llamas said that the award was for the whole military and that he was a mere “representative” to take it.

“We just so happened to be the representatives, this is a huge recognition not just for us, but for the Armed Forces and our families,” Llamas said.

Joining Llamas in the three Zamboanga heroes are Scout Ranger Staff Sargeant Rehu Magno, who also received the “Best Enlisted Personnel” award from the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, and Technical Sargeant Benny Dofitas of the Philippine Air Force, who conducted aerial reconnaissance during the seige.

Magno was instrumental in the capture of the 42 MNLF rebels during the Zamboanga siege.

“It feels like that it’s an accomolishment for my years of service,” Magno said.

Dofitas’ aerial missions provided the ground troops with the intel on the rebels’ location which became a vital advantage for the military.

“Filipino soldiers carry on their shoulders the distinct title and paramount responsibility of being the protectors of the people and the state,” Aniceto Sobrepeña, Metrobank Foundation President, said in a statement.

Metrobank Foundation is the primary stakeholder of the Tops awards.

“Theirs is the task of securing the sovereignty and democracy of the country and the integrity of the national territory.”

Other Tops awardees were Master Sargeant Aladin Dacayanan, Group Sergeant Major in the Intelligence Service AFP, for his role in organizing the first ever Association of Asean Administrative Assistants; Navy Captain Alberto Carlos, for his role in addressing the Navy’s fuel deficit as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Logistics; Marines Sargeant Eugene Padilla innovative invention of a Jungle Antenna that helped clear lines of communication during operations; Commissary Steward 2 Felix Guaves II for exposing ASG positions, strengths, and equipment after his escape from captivity; Lieutenant Colonel Adriano Duadico for his role as Presidential Pilot during the defense of Zamboanga City and aftermath of typhoon Yolanda; Staff Sargeant Sheryl P Toribio, first female specialist in the 410 th Maintenance Wing, for her role in the refurbishing of PAF C-130 planes; and Major Florencio Ritchie Capulong III, for helping over 3000 patients by establishing the Primary Health Care Program in Sta Lucia, Capas, Tarlac.

RELATED STORIES

Another soldier in Zamboanga siege eyed for top medal

5 police heroes in Zamboanga siege given posthumous recognition