By Priam F. Nepomuceno
THREE servicemen were decorated with top medals in the military during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Wednesday.
Lieutenant (junior grade) Reginald M. Balidoc of the Philippine Navy was conferred the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second most important AFP decoration next to the Medal of Valor, for conspicuous courage and gallantry as team leader of the elite Naval Special Operations Unit-8.
Army Lieutenant Jay L. Maravilla and Corporal Felipe C. Barbadillo of the Marine Corps were both given the Gold Cross Medal, the fourth most important AFP decoration, for their gallantry in military operations against terrorists in Mindanao.
Balidoc, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2011, was decorated for valor during a battle with 50 terrorists under Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute at the Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur on Feb. 25, 2016.
Balidoc “inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy thereby showcasing extreme stability under fire and keeping up with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery,” his citation read.
Maravilla, on the other hand, was decorated for gallantry in a battle with 100 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sitio Makaita, Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu last Aug. 26, 2016 that inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy “through superb combat leadership and tactical acumen.”
Barbadillo, a Marine sniper belonging to the elite Special Operations Platoon of the Marine Landing Team-6, was cited for valor in a battle with the armed group of Jaafar Sabiwang Maguid at Sinapingan, Barangay Butril Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last Nov. 26, 2015.
The gallants were decorated by President Rodrigo Duterte during Wednesday’s awarding ceremonies.
He was assisted by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
