QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Philippine Army honored contingent from the 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion, Combat Engineer Regiment who were deployed in earthquake-stricken Myanmar.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido Jr. led the awarding 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.
During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Galido also awarded the Commanding General Philippine Army’s (CGPA) Personal Coins to commemorate the team’s exceptional courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.
The awardees include 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 Army chief likewise 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. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
Photos courtesy of Philippine Army
