AFP chief Galvez honors wounded 6th ID troopers

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Carlito G. Galvez Jr. together with Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) Commander Lt. Gen.Arnel B. Dela Vega visited the troops of 6th Infantry Division to receive operational updates about the military's effort against the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Daesh-Inspired terror group (DITG) and the Communist Party of the Phillipines in the region here on July 7, 2018. Full military honors was accorded to General Galvez upon his arrival with the Commander of 6ID, Brigadier General Cirilito E. Sobejana, as military host. A command briefing was then conducted at the conference room together with the senior officers.

Immediately after, the CSAFP proceeded at Camp Siongco Station Hospital where most of the wounded personnel are being treated who have been involved in the recent campaign against the BIFF and the DITG in the areas of Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak (SPMS) box. He pinned combat medals to deserving troops who fought valiantly during the major clash against the bandits in SPMS box. Among the medals which was granted include the Wounded Personnel Medal, Military Merit Medal and the Posthumous Gold Cross Medal, the third highest combat medal in the AFP. 2nd Lieutenant Junivert Z. Zonio, was among the awardees. He received the Posthumous Gold Cross Medal through his wife for gallantry action while serving as the platoon leader of Charlie Company of 40thInfantry Battalion during an encounter with more or less 15 members of the BIFF. With strong determination to accomplish his given mission while confronting the enemies, 2Lt Zonio was fatally hit that caused his immediate demise. 2lt Zonio fearlessly led his troops in advancing towards the enemies positions, unmindful of his personal safety and dauntlessly led his men and engaged the enemies fierce firefight, said Brigadier General Sobejana.Following personnel also received the Wounded Personnel Medal for having been wounded during the conduct of combat clearing operation in SPMS boxand Sgt Roy M Ramirez, Sgt Datukan M Moday, Sgt Cesar R Pandeling, Pfc Jayson V Sinahan, Pfc Manuel P Catalan III, Pfc Albert A Abao, Pfc Jimmy A Talib, Pfc Diego Aristotle R Benian, Pfc Arthuro D Alberto Junior, Pfc Eddie T Mallorca, Pfc RC S Manangquil, Pfc Jerry John M Quibuyen, Pfc Dexter Ryan F Ponce and Pvt Roy Mark C Exiomo.Other officers and personnel involved in the operations received the Military Merit Medal for their heroic achievement. General Galvez said that he will honor all soldiers who performed very well in their assigned mission. I am recognizing their exemplary courage in combat. I will make sure that they receive the support that they need while recuperating, said General Galvez.