Shun partisan politics, Galvez tells AFP troops

Armed Foces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. pins the Gold Cross Medal to one
of the 18 awardees during the flag-raising ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Canopy Area in Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (Oct. 1, 2018). (Photo courtesy: AFP Public Affairs Office via PNA)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., on Monday urged military personnel to veer away from partisan politics.

“Let us not be disturbed by the political noise and to take sides. We need to uphold our oath and obey the Chain-of-Command from the President, SND (Secretary of National Defense) down to our office chiefs and section/squad leaders. Let us remain solid and true to our oath, mandate and always undivided,” Galvez said during flag-raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The AFP chief also took the opportunity to award 14 soldiers and four civilian personnel of the AFP in recognition of their selfless service and commitment to the country.

“These public servants are stewards of our institution — a crucial aspect that keeps us on our steadfast pursuit of becoming a world-class AFP.

For it is through outstanding work that manifests our dedications to better serve our nation,” Galvez added.

Awarded with the Gold Cross Medal for their gallantry in action during the war against terrorist groups in Marawi City last year are 1Lt. Eddie Badol, 1Lt. Jed Joseph Dandasan, Sgt. Julius Garsuta, Sgt. Wayne Fillalan, Pfc. Marcelo Hora, Jr., all from the Philippine Army, and Airman 1st Class James Gayotin.

While the Distinguished Aviation Cross was awarded to Air Force 1Lt. Julius Macasiray for his conduct of aerial operations during the liberation of Marawi.

Meanwhile, Commander Gilbert Villareal, Jr., and Senior Chief Petty Officer Mario Vasquez received the Distinguished Navy Cross for distinguished achievement as part of the Naval Task Unit Marawi under Joint Task Force-Trident during the liberation of Marawi in 2017.

Also, the Chief of Staff Commendation Medals and Ribbons were given to Army Maj. Jeremy Damonsong, S/Sgt. Ariel Gregorio and Sgt. July Lipaopao for eminently meritorious and valuable achievement as General Headquarters Planning Augmentation Team during the Marawi siege in 2017, and acted as Liaison to GHQ to address immediate concerns of the AFP leadership.

The ‘Gawad sa Kaunlaran’ were awarded to PA Col. Noel Vestur and Lt. Col. Resurrecion Mariano for their civic-military operation activities that aimed to recognize soldiers’ sacrifices.

The same award was given to Michael Manaois, Susan Bascon, Mark John Ulep, and Myka Loraine Nacionales, civilian employees who significantly contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of beneficiaries of killed-in-action personnel, and the welfare of the wounded soldiers during the Marawi crisis.