Arroyo arrives at Camp Aguinaldo for AFP anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City shortly before 10 a.m. to kick off the 73rd founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Radio dzBB's Aileen Intia reported that President Arroyo's arrival signaled the start of the celebration. Earlier, dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr reported that security was tight at Camp Aguinaldo for the anniversary. President Arroyo, who is also commander-in-chief of the military, was to pay tribute to the country's brave soldiers who dedicated their lives in the service of the people. A Malacañang statement said Mrs Arroyo will distribute awards to AFP officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees for their outstanding contribution and support to the AFP. Highlighting the celebration is the traditional parade-in-review and the revival of the "flyby" of Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft, whose practicing startled some residents last Friday. The Palace statement said the "flyby" was shelved for several years as a feature of AFP anniversary celebrations in keeping with the military's austerity program. During the awarding, the Distinguished Service Award will be awarded to Bris. Gen. Rommel Gomez (AFP), Capt. Edgar Abogado (GSC) and Col. Richard Siga-an (PAF, GSC) for "eminently meritorious and valuable service rendered in a position of major responsibility." The recipient of the Gold Cross Medal (GCM) will be 2Lt. Kenneth A. Gutleng PA (Posthumous) and Sgt. Ricky M. Villar (PN). The Philippine Legion of Honor (PLOH) will be awarded to Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna AFP, First Bronze Anahaw Leaf to the PLOH; Lt. Gen. Rodrigo F. Maclang, First Bronze Anahaw Leaf to the PLOH in the Degree of Officer; MSgt. Emmanuel Pacquiao, PLOH in the Degree of Officer (as Reservist in AFP); and Dr. Emilio T. Yap, First Bronze Anahaw Leaf to the PLOH. The Outstanding Achievement Award will be given to Lt. Col. Rizaldo A. Limoso PA (GSC) and TSgt. Hercules L. Regis PA. The Distinguished Aviation Cross Medal (DAC) recipient is Capt. Jonathan C. Ybanez (PAF) while the Bronze Cross Medal awardee is Lt. Victor J. Ramos (PN). The Kagitingan sa Barangay (Category of Datu) award will be handed out to CAFGU AA Nonito A. Cabarles Sr. The AFP Enlisted Personnel of the Year is TSgt Antonio O. Domingo (PA) while the AFP Civilian Supervisor/Employee of the Year are Dr. Luz S. Quintana and Dr. Marie Antonnette A. Castanos. The AFP ROTC Cadette and Cadet of the Year awardees are Cdt Maj Farvy O. dela Cruz 1CL and Cdt Maj. Josephil J. Nestor 2CL, respectively. Meanwhile, the AFP CMO NGO Awardees of the Year are the Mindanao Tulong Bakwet Inc. and Metro Bank Foundation. - GMANews.TV