THE Armed Forces of the Philippines said the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to increase the gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees from P25,000 to P75,000 effective next month shows the Chief Executive’s appreciation for the sacrifices and bravery shown by Filipino soldiers in the battlefield.
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said this will inspire soldiers to perform even better.
“This shows the Chief Executive’s appreciation of the heroism and gallantry of our soldiers in the field, especially those whose bravery have earned them the Medal of Valor, our highest decoration and honor in combat,” Arevalo said.
“This also serves as a challenge for our troops to do their utmost in securing the peace and fighting enemies of the state,” he added.
The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest combat medal, having being awarded to only 40 military personnel, of which 17 are still alive.
Of those who are still alive, six are still in the active service, namely Col. Bartolome Bacarro, Col. Custodio Parcon, Col. Cirilito Sobejana, Brig. Gen. Noel Buan, Lt. Col. Herbert Dilag, and Capt. Robert Salvador.
“This is an early Christmas gift. It will be a big help for our famnilies,” Bacarro said.