THE Philippine Army on Monday saluted its troops who were deployed to Myanmar early April.
The mission was part of the Army’s 525th Combat Engineer ‘Forerunner” Battalion and Combat Engineer Regiment.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido led the pinning of the Meritorious Achievement Medal to the members of the Philippine Army Urban Search and Rescue Team as part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent who were sent by the Philippines in response to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Myanmar on March 28.
Galido also conferred the Army commander’s Personal Coins to the awardees to commemorate the team’s exceptional courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.
The awardees included 1st Lt. Alexis Nocos, 1st Lt. Joey Labiang, SSgt. Ricky Ramirez, SSgt. Jesus Tomas Jr., Sgt. John Rex Palaruan, Cpl. John Paul Kismundo, Cpl. Jundie Gutierez, Cpl. Ryan Paul Cabueñas, Cpl. Alihuddin Hamid, and PFC Elmar Encinas.
“The CGPA recognized the team’s outstanding achievements reflecting their courage, discipline, and humanity under extreme conditions which brought honor not only to themselves and their unit but also to the entire Philippine Army.” Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
According to Office of Civil Defense, the humanitarian team brought essential search and rescue equipment and medical supplies to conduct life-saving operations and distribute critical aid.