Army awards wounded personnel medal

MANILA, Philippines - His fellow officers consider him lucky for cheating death twice within two months but 1st Lt. Ari Ben Hernaez does not seem to mind the risks that come with the job.

“Back to work sir,” he said when asked what he plans to do after he recovers.

Hernaez, a member of the Army’s 71st battalion, was hit on his left leg in a clash with communist rebels in Maco, Compostela Valley on March 12.

On May 4, the young lieutenant was wounded again, this time on his right leg, in another encounter with the insurgents in Pantukan town in the same province.

Cpt. Ernest Carolina, spokesman of the Army’s 10th division, said Hernaez’s case was unusual and that he was fortunate to survive the two gun battles.

“Usually, because of the huge damage inflicted by high-powered rifle, a soldier won’t be able to return to combat for six months or sometimes one year. In his case, he was able to return within one month and then he was wounded again,” Carolina said.

“By and large, he displayed persistence and resilience,” he added.

Carolina said Hernaez is now doing well and is determined to return to his combat duties.

Hernaez’s injuries earned him two Wounded Personnel Medals, an award given to soldiers hurt in combat. The medal is usually awarded first while higher decorations are awarded in a separate ceremony after some deliberations.

Hernaez, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class 2009, got his second medal  Monday in a ceremony held at the Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City.

Other members of the security forces who were feted during the event were Pfcs. Jovert Torres, Renier Osotio, Albert Edem, Haris Winsly Villacentio and Wyli Tobia.

Also honored were Civilian Active Auxiliaries Gilber Into and James Nadio, who were hurt in a recent landmine incident in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, chief of the Army’s 10th division, who presided over the awarding ceremony, encouraged the wounded soldiers to continue performing their duties despite the risks. 

“The people are seeing that the peace situation in the area is really improving. This is why have to work even harder because this is what will ultimately bring about development,” Bernardo said.

“As we answer to our responsibility to the people, part of that is sustaining casualties,” he added.