GMA awards medals of valor, plaques to heroic Scout Rangers

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan — President Arroyo awarded yesterday medals of valor and plaques to military personnel of the Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) in recognition of their heroic service to the nation by fighting communist rebels and Muslim extremists.

The President handed out the awards before her keynote address at the 53rd founding anniversary of the FSRR at Camp Tecson in Barangay Tartaro here.

Among the recipients of the citations of the Distinguished Conduct Star was Capt. Montano Almodovar for his acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in an encounter with 187 fully armed Abu Sayyaf extremists in Barangay Balalanay in Isabela City on Oct. 7, 2001.

During the rites, Pfc. Bernard Banton was awarded the Gold Cross medal for his gallantry in an encounter with 40 heavily armed communist rebels in Barangay Limbon in Sariaya, Quezon on Nov. 7, 2002.

1Lt. Ricky Parcon, S/Sgt. Roselito Tayros and Cpl. Joel Babaran received the Military Merit Medal for their heroic achievements during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf and MILF in separate incidents in Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga City and Talipao, Sulu.

Col. Charlie Fayloga also received the Military Merit Medal for his meritorious and valuable service as group commander of the Signal Group for constructing the 110-foot high trilon tower that contributed to the enhancement of the communication and information capabilities of the regiment.

The President also presented the Military Commendation Medal to T/Sgt. Eugenio Bilog for his exemplary efficiency, loyalty, and devotion to duty during an encounter where some members of Abu Sayyaf Group were killed in Barangay Tanum in Patikul, Sulu on Sept. 18, 2002.

Cpl. Eric Jakosalem was awarded the Military Wounded Personnel Medal when he fought gallantly and sustained wounds during an encounter with the MILF rebels at Pantao Ragat in Lanao del Norte on May 20, 2003.

The President awarded the Command Plaque to 2Lt. Magtanggol Panopio as junior officer for year 2003, T/Sgt. Edgardo Jose as enlisted personnel for year 2003 and to 11th Scout Ranger Company as the best Scout Ranger company for 2003.

The Regimental Streamer Awards for the year 2003 was presented to 11th Scout Ranger Company as best Scout Ranger company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion as best Scout Ranger battalion.

For the civilian awardees, the President handed over the plaque of appreciation to retired Col. Romeo Lim for facilitating the medical supplies for the regiment’s medical mission, Maria Soledad Mananquil for supporting the CMO programs in Central Mindanao and General Santos City, George Castañeda for his donation of construction materials for the day-care center established in the regiment’s camp, and Antonio Sy for his support during the conduct of medical/dental civic action programs of the regiment in the nearby barangays.