EDWIN ANDREWS AIR BASE, Zamboanga City—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today honored the military men who killed a senior Abu Sayyaf leader and his men recently and lauded their civilian informants in ceremonies held here this morning.

Their operation was a major victory in the fight against terrorism in the country and has raised the respect and confidence of the country’s allies in the global war against terrorism, the President noted.

Receiving the Distinguished Conduct Star Medal from the President was Lt. Col. Noel Buan. During the ceremony, the President upgraded the award to Medal of Valor in recognition of Buan’s distinguished service and bravery.

Buan, commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment of the Philippine Army, headed the group that killed Abu Sayyaf leader Hamsirajih Sali who was wanted for a chain of kidnapping-for-ransom and terrorist activities in Mindanao. Sali carried a P5 million bounty on his head.

As a major and an intelligence officer, Buan was held prisoner of war by the New People’s Army and was released only after years of being held captive in Mindoro Oriental.

Awarded the Gold Cross Medal were Staff Sgt. Isidro Dindin and Cpl. Ernesto Estender who died in the encounter at Basilan. ... Their wives, Elsa and Amormia, received their medals.

"I would like to commend Col. Buan, our two martyrs, civilian informants and allies for their extremely valuable contribution to our war against terrorism," the President said.

Such actions of bravery by Buan and his men "have truly made our fight against terrorism very successful even compared to other nations," the President said.

Their bravery has helped in the positive assessment of the security situation in the country given by Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, the President said.

"We consider this a validation of the gains we have accomplished in the global war against terrorism. We are confident that such an assessment will be backed up by concrete measures to bring in more investors to the country," the President noted in an official statement released in Manila.

The President also congratulated the Armed Forces of the Philippines headed by Chief of Staff Gen. Narciso Abaya, the AFP Southern Command headed by Gen. Roy Kyamko, and all the officers and enlisted personnel who did a great job.

"I am happy to highlight once again the success, bravery and martyrdom of our men in the field. To them we dedicate the victory we have against terrorism," the President said.

released 4/28/2004