President Benigno Aquino gives his message during the Heroes’ Welcome Ceremony for the 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. (Photo by Rey Baniquet)
MANILA – President Benigno Aquino welcomed back Filipino troops who were members of the 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights and presented awards Wednesday to 10 soldiers during the Heroes’ Welcome Ceremony held in Malacañang Palace.
Aquino conferred the Distinguished Service Star to National Contingent Commander Colonel Ezra James Enriquez and Lt. Col. Ted Dumusmog, who both led the contingent during the crisis situation in the Golan Heights, resulting in the successful extrication of all Filipino troops to safe locations.
Enriquez planned the defense posture of the Filipino troops when the Syrian rebels attacked their positions.
Aquino also presented the Gold Cross Medal to Position 68 Commander Captain Nilo Ramones, Jr. and seven others.
Position 68 Assistant Commander, 2nd Lieutenant Larry Endozo, was cited for assisting Captain Ramones; Master Sergeant Wilson Lagmay for ensuring troops held their position; Sergeant Alwin Cuyos for his unfazed action that prevented the rebels from breaching their gate; Staff Sergeant Leonardo Aboy for neutralizing the gunner of a ZPU-2 (a Russian anti-aircraft gun); Staff Sergeant Andry Mejos as team leader of the Bravo unit and for his accurate firing at the enemy; Sergeant Ramil Bobiles, whose action prevented the rebels from advancing; and Corporal Joneve Acolicol for his bravery that led to the extrication of their unit.
The Distinguished Service Star, the third highest military award of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), is presented to soldiers who have rendered eminently meritorious and valuable service while holding a position of greater responsibility. The Gold Cross Medal, the fourth highest military award, is given by the Chief of Staff to members of the AFP for gallantry in action.
Aquino praised the troops and spoke with them in Tagalog.
“Humahanga ang buong sambayanan na talagang ito ang uri, kalidad, saka galing, tapang, husay, talino ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Talagang nakadagdag kayo sa puri at sa dangal ng ating Inang Bayan, kaya naman dapat kayong talagang pasalamatan. At sa ngalan nga ng sambayanan, ako na ho nagpapasalamat para sa kanilang lahat. Ulitin ko lang ho, sana itong tagumpay nating ito ay talaga naman paulit-ulit, para masabi nating dagdag pa, tulad noong pagreresolba doon sa Zamboanga Crisis, ito ngang sa labas lang ng ating mga bakuran, talagang pinakita na naman niyo ang gilas ng Pilipino,” he said, referring to security forces that defended Zamboanga city from attacks by the Moro National Liberation Front in September last year in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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