Binigyang-parangal ni AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez ang nasa 16 na mga sundalo at dalawang civilian personnel na tinaguriang mga Marawi heroes.
Ang paggawad ng pagkilala sa nasabing mga indibidwal ay isinagawa sa flag-raising ceremony nitong araw ng Lunes.
Binigyan ng Gold Cross Medal sina Maj. Ryedel Reynaldo Cabugon; 1Lt. Brian Palencia; Pfc. Enrique Macinas at Pfc. Dondon M Onsar, pawang mga miyembro ng Philippine Army; Maj. Michael Rabina, SSgt. Ronaldo Suarez, at SSgt. Glenn Grafa mula sa Philippine Air Force; 1Lt George Galzote at 1Lt Jobert Jude ng Philippine Marines.
Ang mga pinarangalan naman ng Silver Cross Medal ay si Marine Lt. Col. Francis Julius Buyucan.
Habang ang Meritorious Achievement Medal ay iginawad kina Air Force Col. Ferdinand Torres; Col. Consolito Yecla, Col. Alex Rillera; Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr; at Maj. Benjamin Cadiente Jr na kasapi ng hukbong katihan.
Tinanggap naman ni Army Col. Raul Bautista ang Command Plaque, habang ang mga civilian employees mula sa Camp Aguinaldo sina Emma Sicar at Kyle Kristoffer Salongcay ay ginawaran ng Chief of Staff Commendation Medal.
“Nothing gives me more fulfilment than to join our soldiers in celebrating their moments of triumphs such as today. It brings me so much pride and joy to witness our men and women humbly accept the products of their selflessness, commitment, dedication and perseverance,†bahagi ng mensahe ni Galvez.
Ayon naman kay AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato, halos sa mga awardees ay may significant contributions sa matagumpay na liberation ng Marawi mula sa mga Maute-ISIS terrorists.
“The sacrifices of the Filipino soldiers and civilian human resource are aplenty, and a simple recognition could mean so much to them. True to what they say, no one can defeat an inspired heart and soul,†pahayag ng AFP chief.
