- The Philippine Army awarded the general who was blamed for the death of the SAF 44
- Major General Edmundo Pangilinan received the Gawad sa Kapayapaan medal
- The award was given in line with the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Army
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general who was accused of not providing immediate support to the infamous operation of the Special Action Force (SAF) in January 2015 has received an award during the Philippine Army’s (PA) 119th foundation anniversary on Tuesday, March 22.
In an article published by GMA News Online, it was disclosed that Maj. Gen. was given the Gawad sa Kapayapaan (Award for Peace) medal for his “outstanding services rendered to internal and security and valuable contribution in promoting societal understanding and reconciliation” as the commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Central.
Pangilinan, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983, was blamed by the now retired SAF director Getulio Napeñas for the death of the 44 police commandos who implemented the operation dubbed as Oplan Exodus that neutralized the renowned international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.
According to Napeñas, the two-star army general was late in providing the requested military assistance that could have prevented the massive killings during the gunfight between the SAF and extremist Muslim forces.
However, Pangilinan said that the information he received from Napeñas was incomplete and that acting on the matter with such a limited knowledge could affect civilians in the area.
Also awarded during the PA’s anniversary were Col. Juvymax Uy, who was conferred with the Philippine Legion of Honor, and Col. Francisco Millare who was given the Outstanding Achievement Medal.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Rosendo Abad, Jr. received the Distinguished Service Star and 1st Lt. Dionizer Mark Delos Santos received the Distinguished Conduct Star.
Moreover, the Gold Cross Medal was awarded to 2nd Lt. Franz Arvin Balmaceda and Cpl. Cliforduin Bade, while Col. Cirilito Sobejana, Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang, 1st Lt. Abdul Dumpao, Sgt. Victorio Ang, Pfc. Leonel Torrel, Pfc. Erenio Besonia Jr., and CAFGU members Gregorio Laginan and Sandy Sentelices also received recognitions.
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