Zambo siege hero gets Gold Cross

 

 

Joaquin led the assault against hundreds of MNLF rebels in their stronghold in barangays Sta Barbara and Sta Catalina, two of the several villages that was occupied by the MNLF men by commander Ustadz Habier Malik.

 

Military officials believe that Malik died in the several weeks of intense operations but the troops have not recovered the body of the MNLF leader. There are reports that Malik actually escaped the military offensive.

 

“Despite sustaining wounds from the enemy’s attack, Captain Joaquin chose to stay with his men, thereby boosting the morale and the will to fight of the engaged troops,” said Army spokesman Capt. Anthony Bacus.

 

Joaquin’s career was tainted in 2004 when he was sent back by the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning in Georgia - where he was sent for Basic Officers Course - after he was caught technically shoplifting a compact disc.

 

Joaquin, the valedictorian of the Philippine Military Academy class of 2004, was found by authorities to have removed a 50-cent discount tag from a sale item and attached it to the CD worth $12.95 which he wanted to purchase.

 

Upon return, the officer was investigated by the Philippine Army. Then a second lieutenant, Joaquin was subsequently reprimanded and lowered in the lineal list, one of primary factors in the promotion of officers.

 

AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala  Joaquin’s company was involved as the “main effort” during the calibrated military response in the Zamboanga siege that resulted in the rescue of nearly 200 hostages and killing, capture and surrender of about MNLF 500 men.

 

Those who also received the Gold Cross Medal for similar feats were 1Lt. Mark Patrick Futalan of the 14th Scout Ranger Company, Capt. Blas Alsiyao of the Scout Ranger Training School, 1Lt. Loui Talosig and Sgt. Marvin Etao, both of the 15th Scout Ranger Company.

 

Several other Scout Ranger personnel were given awards during the anniversary - S/Sgt. Allan Ugbahim (Bronze Cross Medal); Lt. Col. Freddie dela Cruz, Capt. Rodrigo Babaran, Capt. Aunor Balansi,1Lt. Russel  Bawat, T/Sgt. Reyland Lagunero, S/Sgt. Reynaldo Esteves, S/Sgt. Jungie Cuevas, S/Sgt. Sanny Sabarre and Cpl. Michael Binauhan (Military Merit Medal).

 

The 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, where the company of Joaquin is under, was adjudged as the best battalion for this year while the 2nd Scout Ranger Company was recognized as the best

Meanwhile, Capt. Paul Ramos and S/Sgt. Rehum Magno were named the best officer and best enlisted personnel.

 

Plaques of recognition were also awarded to retired generals Julius Javier, Gabriel Ledesma and Jose Magno, retired 2Lts. Samuel Jomento and Rufo Guigue, retired Chief Master Sergeant Enrique Pizarra, retired Senior Master Sergeant Jose Paet and Zamboanga City mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar.