Distinguished soldiers feted at Army anniversary
THE PHILIPPINE Army on Monday gave recognition to distinguished soldiers at simple rites marking its108th anniversary at Fort Bonifacio
The awardees were led by Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Villanueva, the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander who was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star Medal.
Villanueva died after being hit by mortar fire during clashes with Muslim guerrillas in Panamao town in Sulu province on February 10. Camp Ujod Jabal, a camp once held by a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in barangay Bitanag, has since been renamed "Camp Dennis Villanueva," in honor of the slain battalion commander.
Army chief Lieutenant General Generoso Senga presented the medal to Villanueva's widow, Evangeline.
None of the usual grand parades and exhibitions marked the anniversary.
On hand were top defense and military officials led by Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Efren Abu. No other government officials or foreign dignitaries had been invited as guests.
Senga did not say how much was saved but Abu estimated the Army spent only about 10 percent of what it usually spent on such celebrations.
Major Rosante Larios, commander of the 26th IB, 4th Infantry Division, received the Distinguished Service Star.
Other awardees who received the Gold Cross for gallantry in combat were Captain Leo Diaz, team leader of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment, Special Operations Command (Socom); Staff Sgt. Fernando Abadines, squad leader of the Striking Force of Charlie Co., 1st Provisional Battalion, 7th ID, and Private First Class Muhaimin Muanih of Bravo Co., 27th IB, 6th ID.
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?in...&story_id=31328 :armycheers: I wonder why they toned down the Army anniversary celebrations this time, cost cutting?