Ibrado conferred Malaysian military award

MANILA, Philippines - The King of Malaysia has conferred a military award on AFP chief General Victor Ibrado in recognition of his meritorious service and contribution to promoting defense cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

His Majesty Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Sl-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Bilah Shah, The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) XIII of Malaysia, conferred the Order of Gallantry and Military Service Award, or the Darjah Panglima Gagah Angakatan Tentera (Knight Grand Commander – Honorary), on Ibrado in ceremonies at Istana Negara (National Palace) in Kuala Lumpur last Oct. 21.

The award is a prestigious decoration of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces and is given to the highest-ranking officers of the Malaysian Army and the Chiefs of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Air Force. The award is also given to foreign generals, admirals and air marshals.

In 2008, the Malaysian King conferred the same award on General Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.

Founded by King Abu Bakar Ri’syst ud-din Shah al-Mustain in 1983, the award is given in recognition of acts of heroism or exceptional services in the armed forces in five classes: Panglima Gagah (PGAT) or Knight Grand Commander; Panglima Setia (PSAT) or Knight Commander; Pahlawan (PAT) or Commander; Ksatriya (KAT) or Officer; and Bentara (BAT) or member.