MANILA, Philippines – Ten soldiers of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) were given honors in “The Outstanding Philippine
Soldiers” (TOPS) awards Monday for their “selfless acts of gallantry in
preserving the nation’s sovereignty, and their outstanding career
achievements.”
TOPS is an annual event headed by the Metrobank Foundation Inc.,
Rotary Club of Makati, and in cooperation with the AFP, is a “symbolical
tribute of the civilian sector to the military for its selfless
contributions and gallantry in protecting national security and
sovereignty,” Metrobank Foundation President, Aniceto Sobrepena, said in
a statement released at the awarding ceremony.
The ten soldiers, who each received a P300,000-cash prize and a
trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation, were composed of four
commissioned officers and six enlisted personnel from all services of
the AFP, Metrobank said.
“We are proud to present to the entire nation, ten of the most
dedicated and accomplished members of the AFP,” Sobrepena said. “More
than being the private sector’s expression of gratitude to the
sacrifices of our soldiers, TOPS also highlights the contributions of
the men and women of the military, as vanguards of peace and democracy,
to nation building and development.”
Colonel Milfredo Melegrito from the Philippine Army (PA), Captain
Erick Kagaoan from the Philippine Navy (PN), Lieutenant Colonel Antonio
Francisco Jr. from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and Colonel Raul
Tangco from the Technical and Administrative Services, were the four
commissioned officers awarded by TOPS.
Melegrito, who has been in service for 25 years, led successful
operations against insurgents in Northern Luzon as well as against
illegal drugs.
Kagaoan, also with 25 years of service, was the Commander of the
Naval Task Force assigned in Tawi-Tawi where he managed to establish
peace and order despite the presence of rebel groups and warring tribes.
Francisco has rescued countless individuals, even infants and
children, during calamities such as lahar floods and typhoons throughout
his 20 years of service. He was former President Joseph Estrada’s
Aide-de-camp.
Tangco has been the Dean of Academics in the Philippine Military
Academy (PMA) for 28 years and has been training cadets to become
excellent soldiers as well as improving the teaching methods in the
academy.
The enlisted personnel awardee's were Technical Sergeant Rolando
Diomangay and Master Sergeant Juana Hernal, from the PA, Engineman
Second Class Arce Balasbas and Engineman Third Class Ricky Burgos, from
the PN, Senior Master Sergeant Augusto Reyes and Master Sergeant Emerito
Angcao, from the PAF.
General Jessie Dellosa, AFP Chief of Staff thanked the Metrobank
Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati “for their continuous recognition
and appreciation of the outstanding service rendered by our men and
women and uniform.”
“I am sure that this gesture of acknowledgement will continue to
inspire more soldiers to become a true model of excellence,
professionalism, and integrity,” Dellosa said.
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Matikas Santos | INQUIRER.net | June 11, 2012 | Article Link
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