Versoza gets PMA Cavalier Award

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – Outstanding military and police officers who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy were recognized here during the traditional alumni homecoming yesterday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who represented President Arroyo, and PMA Superintendent Maj. Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig bestowed the coveted Cavalier Award to Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza (PMA Class 1976), Philippine National Police deputy chief for administration.

Versoza, the highest-ranking awardee, was given a commendation for command and administration.  His outstanding performance as then chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group led to the arrest of several rebel junior officers who were linked to the foiled power grab against President Arroyo.

Among the other recipients of the Cavalier Award are Brig. Gen. Oscar Rabena (Class 1978), wing commander of the Air Force 15th strike wing for Staff Functions, Col. Ricardo Visaya (1983) for Army Operations, Senior Supt. Asher Dolina (1983) for Police Operations, Capt. Randy Bance (1997) for Air Force Operations and Chief Supt. Benjamin Belarmino (1977) for Special Field (Sports).

Visaya was awarded for his contribution to the military’s counter-insurgency operations leading to the neutralization of a number of New People’s Army rebels while he was the commander of the 69th infantry battalion based in Pampanga.

He was also cited for his civil military operations in Metro Manila, as commander of the Army’s CMO battalion.

Bance, an MG520 attack helicopter pilot, was given the same award for having prevented communist rebels from pinning down government forces in Mankayan, Benguet.

Belarmino was awarded for his contribution to sports, having won international and local practical shooting competitions.  He is a member of the Philippine Shooting Team.      – James Mananghaya