From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): 53 soldiers, employees honored during AFP 78th anniversary ceremony
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=598606
The military honored and feted 53 of its outstanding soldiers and civilian ceremonies during simple ceremonies Friday as part of the the 78th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday.
These individuals, consisting of 49 soldiers and four civilians employees, were honored for their invaluable contributions during the successful defense of Zamboanga City against rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters last September; humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during the earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon "Yolanda"; and other combat operations and non-traditional missions.
The awarding ceremony featured Medal of Valor awardee, Pfc. Ian O. Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, who was posthumously cited for his courage, dedication and sacrifice which greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy positions in Zamboanga City
His act of conspicuous courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in Barangay Sta. Barbara on Sept. 24, even after being wounded and hospitalized in an encounter on Sept. 13, earned him the nation's highest military decoration.
During the Sept. 24 encounter, Pacquit, exhibiting selfless acts of heroism, was hit by a bullet in left neck resulting to his death.
The operations resulted to the capture of 41 MNLF fighters and 15 of the rebels killed.
By this display of heroism, Paquit distinguished himself in combat, in keeping with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.
His award was received by his father, Eduardo Paquit.
Thirteen soldiers were also awarded with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest military award, for their conspicuous acts of gallantry; while nine other soldiers, two of them posthumously, received the Gold Cross Medal.
They are among 34 soldiers awarded Friday for their role in the successful defense of Zamboanga City , and are among the over 2,000 soldiers already awarded in line with their contributions in the operations in Zamboanga City
Other awards are in the pipeline to ensure that all soldiers involved, either in combat or administrative capacity, will be recognized.
Also, around 115 soldiers and seven civilians were awarded during Thursday's decoration ceremonies.
Leading the civilian awardees were Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who received the AFP Command Plaque during the AFP Thanksgiving Day ceremony held at the GHQ Canopy Area Thursday.
A simultaneous flag-raising ceremony was held Friday to kickstart the 78th Anniversary Program attended by AFP commander-in-chief and President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Among the many highlights of Friday's rites was the President's inspection of three newly acquired AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters of the Philippine Navy.
These will be used in various naval operations including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue and maritime security operations.
Worth around a total of P1.35-billion, the new AW-109s helicopters are ready to be equipped for territorial defense missions in preparation for future external defense functions of the AFP.
Two more of these aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2014 for a contract price of P850.91 million.
Aquino also inspected the three helicopters, along with two Sikorsky S-76 air ambulance units, and other assets on display at the AFP Grandstand.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=598606