MANILA,Philippines - Soldiers involved in the security operations during the height of the Zamboanga crisis were honored Tuesday for their efforts to bring back stability in the area.
The awards were given during the 63rd anniversary of the Scout Rangers, an elite military unit known for its anti-guerilla operations.
Among this year’s awardees is Cpt. Rolly Joaquin, who received the Gold Cross Medal, the third highest combat medal after Medal of Valor and Distinguished Conduct Star.
Joaquin is the chief of the 1st Scout Ranger Company who led the assault against about 200 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction in Zamboanga City last September.
Joaquin, the valedictorian of Philippine Military Academy class 2004, opted to stay with his troops despite the wounds he sustained during the clashes.
The young officer suffered a setback in his career in 2004 after he was dismissed from the US Army Infantry School in Georgia for alleged shoplifting.
Joaquin reportedly removed a 50-cent discount tag from a sale item and attached it to a compact disc worth $12.95 that he purchased there.
Owing to the incident, Joaquin, then a second lieutenant, was reprimanded and demoted in the lineal list, a basis in the giving of promotions.
While the award highlighted Joaquin’s courage, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala declined to label it as a redemption for the young officer.
“He (Joaquin) was injured and he continued his military career despite the punishment given to him. He was awarded the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry and action in Zamboanga,†Zagala said.
“I cannot tell you if that is redemption. I cannot pass judgment,†he added.
Zagala, nevertheless, said Joaquin’s actions helped the military accomplish its mission in Zamboanga.
Another recipient of the Gold Cross Medal was 1Lt. Mark Futalan of the 14th Scout Ranger Company who led his troops against 80 communist rebels in Zamboanga del Sur last January.
Futalan’s forces were able to seize an NPA camp despite the explosive devices planted in the encounter site.
Other Gold Cross Medal awardees were Cpt. Blas Alsiyao of the Scout Ranger Training School, 1Lt. Loui Talosig and Sgt. Marvin Etao, both of the 15th Scout Ranger Company.
S/Sgt. Allan Ugbamin, on the other hand, was awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal. Military Merit Medals were also awarded to Lt. Col. Freddie dela Cruz, Cpt. Rodrigo Babaran, Cpt. Aunor Balansi, 1Lt. Russel Bawat, T/Sgt. Reyland Lagunero, S/Sgt. Reynaldo M Esteves, S/Sgt. Jungie Cuevas, S/Sgt. Sanny Sabarre, and Cpl. Michael Binauhan.
The 1st Scout Ranger Battalion was named this year’s Best Battalion while the 2nd Scout Ranger Company was honored as Best Company.
Cpt. Paul Ramos and S/Sgt. Rehum Magno were also named as Best Officer and Best Enlisted Personnel, respectively.
Also feted during the ceremony were retired Major Generals Julius Javier, Gabriel Ledesma and Jose Magno; retired 2nd Lieutenants Samuel Jomento and Rufo Guigue; retired Chief Master Sergeant Enrique Pizarra, retired Senior Master Sergeant Jose Paet, and Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar.