Updated: 15 June, 2006
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Medals and Decorations of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon III - Look under Interests |
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The Philippines Air Force |
Phillipines Air Force Decorations paf.mil.ph Philippines Air Force Service Medals paf.mil.ph |
Phillipines Army Awards and Decoration army.mil.ph |
Medals of the Second World War: The Philippines Hendrik Meersschaert
Philippine Medals David Devine
US Officers Honoured for work in the Philippines (The Philippine military awarded citations to two U.S. military officers involved in a counterterrorism exercise to help Filipino soldiers better fight a Muslim extremist group. Lt. Col. David Maxwell received the Award for Socio-Economic Upliftment and Maj. Samuel Ashley got the Military Merit Medal) (May 02)
Military 'Hatchet Man' on NPA in Mindoro gets medal Colonel Jovencio Palparan, commander of the 204th Infantry Brigade was awarded a medal for exemplary performance in counter-insurgency during the 67th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Ms Macapagal also pinned the Distinguish Conduct Star on 2nd Lieutenant Egberto Dacoscos for gallantry in action during the Nov. 8 encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, and the Gold Cross on Marine Sergeant Stanley Macayanan for courage exhibited during a Nov. 19, 2001 attack on his unit also in Sulu. A Gold Cross was also given posthumously to WWII 2nd Lt. Arcadio Mayor who led his company during a rear guard action against a Japanese force on Dec. 26, 1941. His brother claimed the medal. The Distinguished Conduct Star is the second highest award given by the military. The Gold Cross is the third highest. Mindoro Oriental Governor Bartolome Marasigan, Sr. and Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy, Jr., were both awarded the Gawad sa Kaunlaran Awards for providing assistance to the military campaign against insurgents in their respective provinces. More (Dec 02)
4 wounded soldiers receive medals Awarded with Wounded Personnel Medal were S/Sgt. Jessie Papa, S/Sgt. Denis Bendania, S/Sgt. Ireneo Mendoza, and Cpl. Jerson Caalen.
The Philippine National Police has recommended that posthumous promotions and medals for acts of bravery be awarded to police and army men killed in clashes with New People’s Army rebels in Bulacan. Supt. Felizardo Serapio, director of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office, recommended the promotion of five policemen and two soldiers and the awarding of medals for acts of bravery to nine policemen and two soldiers. Recommended for medals were Supt. Fernando Villanueva; Insp. Rodolfo Solomon; Insp. Lauro Apostol; Senior Police Officer 2 Glorification Tanquiz; Police Officer 2 Telesforo Ocdinaria; Police Officers 1 Juan Aquillo; Eduardo Solian; Danny Torang; Nur Baladji; Capt. Mario Marron; and Pfc. Paterno Tejano. Manila Times, Philippines - 1 Apr 2003
Two Filipinas working in Bahrain are to be honoured in their country on Saturday by Philippine President Gloria Arroyo. Investcorp Bank personnel manager and personal assistant to the chief executive officer/president Puralyn Fiel and Bahrain Hotels Company personal assistant Fe Gutierrez have been selected to receive the prestigious Bagong Bayani (New Hero) Award in the Philippines.
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RP
envoy receivesOrder of Lakandula President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the first Order of Lakandula, with the
rank of Bayani (Grand Cross), on Alfonso Yuchengco, former
Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations (UN). The
conferment, held at the Study Room in Malacañang, was in recognition of
Yuchengco's invaluable contribution to Philippine society, education,
culture, commerce, and foreign policy particularly his central role in
the election of the Philippines to the UN Security Council for the term
2004-2005, according to a press statement. inq7.net 29
Nov 03 Photo
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Arroyo to lead 68th anniversary rites of the Armed Forces President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be the guest of honor and speaker in the 68th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The AFP was established by Commonwealth Act I or the National Defense Act of 1935. General Narciso L. Abaya is the present AFP chief of staff. Under the present setup, the AFP has under its command three major defense services: the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and the Philippine Navy (PN). The three services have a combined force of an estimated 165,000 officers and men. Leading this year's awardees are: Philippine Legion of Honor for Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio and Maj. Gen. Romeo P. Tolentino; Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action for SSG George M. Contingio PA; Distinguished Conduct Star for Capt. Jonathan P. Obena PA; Award of Distinguished Service Star for Commodore Amado A. Sanglay and the Enlisted Personnel Award will be given to Master Sergeant Pauline Galot Bala. The Manila Bulletin online 18 Dec 03
23 Laguna cops awarded for foiling robbery gang Twenty-three policemen from Laguna received recognition for their gallantry in subduing a robbery syndicate in a daring gun battle with the group last month in Sta. Cruz town. Senior Supt. Napoleon Cachuela, director for administration of the Calabarzon police, said Chief Inspector Jose Marie Paras, Sta. Cruz police chief, and 22 of his men were responsible for the arrest of two members of a band of robbers victimizing small business firms in Laguna and nearby provinces. They received the Medalya ng Kagitingan (Medal of Bravery). Manila Times 15 Dec 03
R.P. awards Mandela congressional achievement medal The Philippines had awarded former South African President Nelson Mandela with the Congressional Medal of Achievement, the highest decoration that could be given by Congress, for being one of the world’s “greatest political and moral leaders.” De Venecia said during the ceremonies that Congress is honoring Nelson Mandela “for creating a nation founded on reconciliation and fraternity of white and black people, and for his heroic role in leading the African National Congress that fought apartheid and fought for human rights and equality for the black peoples of the world.” abs-cbnnews.com 25 Mar 04
Gloria awards Medal of Valor for death of militant President Arroyo has conferred the Medal of Valor--the highest military combat award--to Lt. Col. Noel Buan, former captive of the New People's Army (NPA) for successfully neutralizing Abu Sayyaf leader Hamsirajih Sali in Basilan. Buan was supposed to get the Conduct Star Medal from Arroyo but the President upgraded the award to Medal of Valor in recognition of the Philippine Army's 1st Scout Ranger Regiment's service and bravery. The President also conferred the Gold Cross Medal to Staff Sgt. Isidro Dindin and Cpl. Ernesto Estender who died in the encounter in Basilan. sunstar.com 29 Apr 04
Medals, promotion for hero cop Philippine National Police chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. promoted and pinned two PNP medals on hero cop SPO1 Charlito Corpuz, who was also promoted to the next rank for single-handedly killing three bus robbers in a shootout over the weekend. In the presence of police, businessmen and civic groups, Ebdane pinned the PNP Medal of Merit and PNP Wounded Personnel Medal on Corpuz. philstar.com 4 Aug 04
Aquino conferred govt’s highest honor for a civilian Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo on Saturday conferred the Quezon Service Cross, the country’s highest honor, on the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Aquino’s widow, former President Corazon Aquino, received the award for her husband. The Quezon Service Cross, established in 1946 by Congress, recognizes the “exemplary service to the nation, in such a manner and such a degree, as to add great prestige to the Republic of the Philippines, or as to contribute to the lasting benefit of its people.” The late senator is the fourth Filipino to receive the award. The first was the late foreign secretary Carlos P. Romulo (1951), Emilio Aguinaldo, the republic’s first president (1956), and the late President Ramon Magsaysay (1957). manilatimes.net 22 Aug 04
27 medals' highlight Marcos' 87th birthday today The Marcos family observes former strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos' 87th birthday by highlighting his military career and war exploits. "Regardless of the constant criticisms... he was a (soldier) who stood up for his country and in the process, got 27 medals. That's history. It cannot be changed, amended or erased in any manner." Marcos critics have long maintained that the medals were for non-existent war exploits. An exhibit of some 100 photographs of the late dictator, including his 27 medals, will be unveiled at the Ilocos Norte Capitol lobby. news.inq7.net 11 Sep 04
A medal for Poe President Arroyo is set to award the late Fernando Poe Jr. with the Presidential Medal of Merit. The Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded for service to the President or for achievements that, in the Chief Executive’s judgement, bring honor to the country. Past recipients included boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Press Undersecretary Robert Rivera said Poe will receive the Presidential Medal of Merit for cinema; the late Zenaida Amador for theater; and the late George Canseco for music. abs-cbnnews.com 16 Dec 04
Ex-NPA captive to receive Medal of Valor A former captive of the communist New People’s Army and now a member of the elite Scout Ranger unit will be awarded with the highest military decoration for valor in combat for his role in the neutralization of one of the top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Buan, commanding officer of 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, will be given the Medal of Valor by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Along with Buan, his subordinate S/Sgt. Leopoldo Diokno Jr. will also receive the same award. news.inq7.net 20 Dec 04
Former NPA Captive leads AFP Awardees Lt. Col. Noel Buan leads the ranks of soldiers who will receive the Medal of Valor and other military honors today from President Arroyo. This year’s other awardees include Cpl. Rudy Espuelas who will be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest combat medal; Marine Brig. Gen. Benedicto Corono and Col. Alexis Afdal, who will be receiving the Distinguished Service Star, an administrative medal. 2Lt. Amar Hagada and S/Sgt. Carlito Paraiso will receive the Gold Cross from the President. The Gold Cross is the third highest combat medal. AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan will receive the award Philippine Legion of Honor in the Degree of an Officer. newsflash.org 21 Dec 04
Officer behind 'bogus' raid to get real medal He ledhis unit to a bogus raid, arrested 17 Muslims suspected of being terrorists, freed 15 of them for lack of evidence, and he's getting a medal? Amid criticisms from the Muslim community, a police colonel is set to receive the Philippine National Police's second highest award. Senior Supt. Federico Laciste Jr. will receive the distinguished conduct medal from President Macapagal-Arroyo during the PNP's 14th anniversary rites. news.inq7.net 29 Jan 05
‘Medal of Valor’ awarded to Abu slayer questioned The military will review its decision to award the Medal of Valor to an Army colonel who killed a top Abu Sayyaf leader in 2004 amid allegations that “proper procedure” has not been observed. An "impartial, high-level" committee has been created to review the process in which the award was given to Lieutenant Colonel Noel Buan and to submit a recommendation to the chief of staff, said Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan, deputy chief of staff. news.inq7.net 9 Feb 05
Slain battalion commander in Jolo a ‘hero of our time’ President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo praised his “gallantry” and the military called him a “hero of our time” as they paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Villanueva and other soldiers killed in the fighting in Sulu. Villanueva, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, received two Gold Cross Medals, 20 Bronze Cross Medals, 16 Military Merit Medals, and a United Nations Service Medal. news.inq7.net 11 Feb 05
No Presidential Medal of Merit for Poe The late actor Fernando Poe Jr. will not be given a Presidential Medal of Merit despite a recommendation from the government-run National Commission for Culture and Arts. Poe was nominated along with thespian and director Zenaida Amador and composer George Canseco. But only Amador and Canseco will be given the Presidential medals. Canseco will be recognized for his contribution to music and Amador for theatre. news.inq7.net 22 Feb 05
Cop gets medal of valor for defending station The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has approved and recommended to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the conferment of Medalya ng Kagitingan (medal of valor) to a Zamboanga del Sur policeman for defending the Siocon Municipal Police Office from an alleged terrorist attack.Soon to be the newest recipient of the highest recognition and most coveted award in the PNP is Police Officer 1 Jamaron Saaban Sandag of Siocon Municipal Police Office in Zamboanga del Sur. sunstar.com.ph 14 Mar 05
Philippines parliament adorns Hasina with medal The Philippine House of Representatives adorned Bangladesh Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina with "Congressional Medal of Achievement". Jose De Venecia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, handed the prestigious award to Sheikh Hasina in appreciation of her "historic role in the Asian continent's movement towards integration" and as founder-President of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) which convened in Dhaka in 2001. Hasina is the third to receive the award after South Africa's legendary leader Nelson Mandela and architect of modern Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Chinese President Hu Jin Tao has been nominated to receive this award next year. "This award is bestowed on behalf of the Filipino nation and in accordance with resolution no 453 of the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines," a letter of citation said. nation.ittefaq.com 6 Apr 05
Medal honour for Premier... The Prime Minister (of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa), was honoured for his statesmanship. The Philippines conferred the Highest Parliamentary Medal on him in recognition of his "tremendous efforts that helped turn Bahrain into a constitutional kingdom". Another famous recipient of this award recently was Nelson Mandela. The Premier is also a key man behind Bahrain's economic and military advancement - turning it into a regional hub, said the citation. gulf-daily-news.com 14 Apr 05 |
Musharraf awarded Medal of Achievement The Philippine House of Representatives conferred the Congressional Medal of Achievement on President Pervez Musharraf for his role in strengthening democracy in Pakistan, his steadfast fight against terrorism and the initiation of efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of Kashmir for durable peace in South Asia. dailytimes.com/pk 20 Apr 05
Colonel hits Medal of Valor award to 'fake heroes' "DALAWA singko" [Two for five centavos]. That's how Army Col. Arturo Ortiz described the Medal of Valor, the military's highest medal for bravery in combat. Ortiz, who was awarded the MOV in 1990, is protesting the awarding of the Medal of Valor to Army Lt. Col. Noel Buan and S/Sgt. Leopoldo Diokno. He called them "fake heroes." He said the medal had been "prostituted" under during term of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Efren Abu. news.inq7.net 16 Jul 05
6 More Months for Aglipay; Edbame Conferred Legion of Honor Mrs. Arroyo, assisted by Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, conferred the Legion of Honor on Hermogenes Ebdane Jr who opted for early retirement from the police service after he accepted his new civilian assignment as national security adviser. newsflash.org 24 Aug 04
PNP chief rewards Agusan Sur cops for bravery Five policemen who defended the Talacogon, Agusan del Sur municipal police station from an attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were awarded "Medalya ng Kadakilaan" and promoted one rank higher by the PNP chief, Director General Arturo Lomibao. abs-cbnnews.com 16 Oct 05
Gold Cross medals for brave Negrense marines After dying for their country, two Negrense Marine soldiers will be given medal of honors for their services rendered. The two died in a gunbattle in Jolo, Sulu last week. The bodies of T/Sgt. Joevil Ellanic and Cpl. Glen Arros arrived at the Dumaguete City port Thursday morning in two wooden crates. Their respective mothers were presented with the Gold Cross Medal in honor to the brave soldiers. It symbolizes their "gallantry in action." Both belong to the 4th Marine Brigade under the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Southern Command (Southcom). The two were among the seven Marine combatants who were killed in action when Muslim separatists from the Abu Sayaf Group (ASG) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ambushed them in Indanan, Jolo on Nov. 12. sunstar.com.ph 18 Nov 05
Slain RP peacekeeper given high US award Staff Sgt. Antonio Batomalaque received the Soldier’s Medal posthumously, becoming the first Filipino to earn the highest US award for noncombat gallantry. In a citation read by Lt. Commander Victor Loschinkohi, US President George W. Bush cited the Filipino scout ranger for making the ultimate sacrifice when he used his body as a shield to cover his fellow peacekeepers in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on April 14 this year. He was 39 when he died. “Staff Sgt. Batomalaque exposed himself to incoming rounds... to provide covering fire for Colonel (Robert) Casias and his fellow soldiers... His selfless heroism, valor and devotion to duty during the firefight against Haitian criminal gangs are deserving of the Soldier’s Medal and reflect great credit upon himself and the Philippine Army,” the citation read. Batomalaque’s courageous act allowed Casias, who was then deputy operations officer of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, to crawl forward to a covered position to avoid the line of fire. manilastandardtoday.com 16 Dec 05
Medal of Valor: The story of a living hero He is a living hero and his courage and exploits are a testimony, not to a few, but to the many members of the Philippine National Police. His story has changed the lives of many people completely, and yet for the 47-year-old policeman Rodelio Mendez Caballes, a Medal of Valor holder, there are still more things to do in the service of God and country. He cannot forget the NPA raid in the village of San Rafael in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur, where he was assigned as a policeman in 1992. "It was about 3:40 in the morning of October 26, and the rebels entered the village, ransacking houses and attacking police and military posts. I stood my ground, my wife Sonia, helped me fight off the NPA, as my four small children in the house cried and prayed hard for a miracle to save all us," he recalls. Rebels have surrounded their house, threatening to burn it down, if Caballes does not surrender. "They assaulted the house with M60 machine guns, they lobbed grenades and dynamites, and the battle began. After four hours of fighting, at least 27 rebels lay dead, and dozens more were wounded," he said. sunstar.com 18 Dec 05
Army honors soldier-athletes The Philippine Army honored its own athletes who won medals in the recent 23rd Southeast Asian Games in Manila. 37 soldiers who joined the games were promoted and awarded military merit medals. Those who won gold medals were promoted to the next rank. Soldiers who bagged silver and bronze were awarded the military merit medals. About one-third of 300 Filipino athletes who participated in the games are Army soldiers, including the country's first gold medallist Maristela Torres. sunstar.com.ph 10 Jan 06
Manila honours Aziz The Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Achievement by the House of Representatives of the Philippines. The citation accompanying the Medal lauds Prime Minister's contribution to the political and economic stability of Pakistan both as Prime Minister and Finance Minister of the country. The citation also contains a reference to the Prime Minister's support for a joint initiative by the Philippines, Pakistan and Cambodia to create the Asian Anti-Poverty Fund as well the conversion of the Association of Asian Parliament for Peace into an Asian Parliamentary Assembly. kashar.net 28 Jan 06
16 soldiers get medals for Tarlac clashes President Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the gold cross and wounded personnel medals to 16 government soldiers who took part in the Jan. 31 clashes with New People’s Army rebels. Leading the awardees was 2nd Lt. Ali Sumangil who received both the gold cross and wounded personnel medals. Sumangil, commander of the 7th Infantry Battalion’s Bravo Company who was wounded during the clashes, was cited for “refusing to be evacuated and for leading his men amid intense enemy fire.” 1st Lt. Dindo Perez, 2nd Lt. Nhoky Siao, 2nd Lt. Ildefonso Alanano, 2nd Lt. Carmelo Jaluague, Sgt. Rodrigo Andres, Cpl. Antonio Ballocanag, Cpl. Elizalde Mañebo, Pfc. Jupiter Ragel, Pfc. Rodney Alegre, Pfc. Harold Fabros and Pfc. Jesus Ocsona received the gold cross medal for gallantry. Ocsona also received the wounded personnel medal. Cpl. Jerry Galas, who died in the encounter, was given the gold cross medal posthumously. Pfc. Aristotle Lomibao, Pfc. Romy Mendez and Private Armand Cuacito received the wounded personnel medal. news.inq7.net 7 Feb 06
Ilonggo soldiers on other war fronts During World War II, the only Filipino soldier who was awarded the US Congressional Medal of Honor was Sgt. Jose Calugas of Leon, Iloilo for heroism in Bataan. His award reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and interpidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy at Culis, Bataan Province, Philippine Islands, January 13, 1942. When the battery gun position was shelled and bombed until one piece was out of action and casualties caused the removal of the remaining canoneers to shelter, Sergeant Calugas, mess sergeant of the another battery, voluntarily and on his own accord proceeded 1,000 yards across the shell-swept area to the gun position and joined the volunteer gun squad which fired effectively on the enemy although heavy bombarding and shelling of the position continued." This feat of Calugas contributed in the delay of the Japanese advance to Bataan for around three months. thenewstoday.info 10 Mar 06
Ilonggo
soldiers on other war fronts (2)
Capt. Alejandro Sale is a recipient of the Gold Cross and
other military decorations. Sgt. Ramon S. Subejano who brought
back 18 medals earned for killing more than 400 Germans in battle.One of
the medals was the much coveted Silver Star which cited him for
"Gallantry in action on 7 December 1944 in the vicinity of
Dillengen, Germany" The citation continued: "At the risk of
his life, Pvt Subejano made his way along through devastating 20mm and
machine gun fire and hand grenade explosions to the building. He then
entered the strong point and going from room to room, kiled five enemy,
wounded six and forced the remaining 37 to surrender." thenewstoday.info
15 Mar 06
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Militant leaders rage at medal for Palparan Militants were in an uproar on learning that a controversial general they claimed was a top human rights violator would be decorated for meritorious service. "This will only embolden and encourage more human rights violations by other officers of the Armed Forces," Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said of the Distinguished Service Star honors to be conferred on Major General Jovito Palparan. The medal Palparan will get is given to senior officers who had done well as commanders of battalion-sized or bigger units. Unlike such decorations as the Medal of Valor and the Gold Cross, it is not a combat medal. The Distinguished Service Star medal will go to Colonel Eduardo del Rosario as commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion between June 2000 and July 2003. First Lieutenant Roden Orbon will get the Gold Cross for gallantry in action as platoon leader of a team that encountered some 200 Moro rebels in Pikit town, North Cotabato province, in 2003. inq7.net 20 Mar 06 |
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Edwin
Price Ramsey Official Website Col. Edwin Ramsey comes
from the heart of America. Born in Illinois, raised in Kansas, he
graduated from the Oklahoma Military Academy. Commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenant in the Cavalry Reserve in May of 1938, he entered active
service in February of 1941 with the famous 11th Cavalry Regiment, at
Campo, California. In June of 1941 he volunteered for service in the
Philippines with the elite 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.
Then came that fateful day in December when Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor and the following invasion of the Philippines. Fighting
desperate rear guard action, he was personally awarded the Silver
Star for gallantry in action by General Jonathan Wainwright for
leading the last Horse Cavalry charge in U.S. history at the village
of Morong, Bataan, on January 16, 1942. Escaping after the surrender
of Bataan, he formed the guerilla forces in Central Luzon. Then came
three years of agonizing guerilla warfare, waged by courageous
Americans and Filipinos on Luzon Island, to prepare the way for the
return of General Douglas MacArthur. Three years of death and disease
were his constant companions at every bend of the jungle trail.
Fighting both the Imperial Japanese Army and the Communist Huk
guerillas, he sent critical intelligence information to General
Douglas MacArthur in preparation for the liberation of the
Philippines. After his return, General MacArthur personally awarded
him the Distinguished Service Cross for his guerilla activities
per General Orders No 9, of 13 June 1945, "For extraordinary
heroism in the Philippine Islands from 21 April 1942 to 30 April
1945." The following
Medals/Award/Honors were conveyed on Col. Ramsey by the Philippine
Government (not in any specific order): Cross of Valor - Sagisag Ng Kagitingan Distinguished Conduct Star Distinguished Service Star Legion of Honor - Commander Degree Gold Cross Wounded Personel Medal Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Liberation Medal (Ref: Mike Dailing philmedals forum 28 Mar 06) |
165 Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia receive medals from UN At least 165 Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia received UN Peacekeeping medals for their contribution to the peace process in this troubled African country, according to a statement from the office of the Philippine Representative to the UN. Alan Doss, special representative of the UN secretary general for Liberia, awarded the medals to the Filipinos for “their professionalism and dedication” to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Philippine Contingent Commander Colonel Mario Mendoza said Filipino peacekeepers in Liberia had shown their selfless service and commitment to UN ideals and goals. The office of the Philippine Representative to the UN said that 172 Filipino peacekeepers, including nine women, are now serving in Liberia. It said the Philippines began contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations in 1950 in Korea and since then had served in over 20 peacekeeping missions, including Vietnam, the Congo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, East Timor, Haiti, and now Liberia. news.inq7.net 11 Apr 06
Detachment commander awarded gold cross medal Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero conferred an Army detachment commander who led 12 militiamen in defending his outpost from being overran and managing to kill New People's Army rebel attackers, with a Gold Cross Medal, the third highest military medal for bravery, during the 32nd anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz. At the same time, the Gold Cross Medal recipient, PFC Renante Samrana, was also promoted to the next higher rank. Samrana was given recognition by the 3rd Infantry Division for the courage and leadership displayed during the attack of the Villegas detachment in Guihulngan, Oriental Negros, which claimed the lives of 10 rebels, including a platoon leader of the Larangan Gerilya 1, on April 22. visayandailystar.com 8 May 06
President
pins medals on six outstanding artists President Arroyo
conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit on six
outstanding artists in recognition of their contribution to Filipino art and
culture. The awardees were artists-painters Oscar Yatco, Romeo Tabuena,
Juvenal Sanso, Anita Magsaysay Ho, Fernando Zobel de Ayala (posthumous) and
Nena Saguil (posthumous).