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Metrobank Salutes Outstanding Soldiers for 2008
The country’s top soldiers were recognized for their career achievements and service to the community with the culmination of the 2008 Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) at a ceremony in Malacañang Palace on May 12 with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferring the award.
Each awardee received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize from Metrobank Foundation.
The 2008 TOPS awardees are: (Enlisted personnel) Staff Sergeant Rodel Bonifacio and Senior Master Sergeant Reynaldo Garcia of the Philippine Army, Technical Sergeant Sandy Terania and Technical Sergeant Jesus Fabian of the Philippine Air Force, and Radarman 1st Class Rosimalu Galgao and Chief Petty Officer Edwin Palacios of the Philippine Navy; (Commissioned officers) Colonel Joselito Kakilala of the Philippine Army, Captain Randy Bance of the Philippine Air Force, and Captain Jose Renan Suarez of the Philippine Navy, while Captain Ana Lisa Morata of the Philippine Air Force is awarded under the Technical Services Category.
TOPS winners are considered the armed force’s cream of the crop, having been chosen after a stringent selection process that includes documentation of achievements, background check, and panel interview with a distinguished Board of Judges representing various sectors of society. This year’s panel, led by Senator Benigno Aquino III and Associate Justice Edilberto Sandoval of Sandiganbayan, noted the sincerity and steadfastness displayed by the winners in the accomplishment of their duties. Other members of the board of judges include Marikina Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando, UP President Dr. Emerlinda Roman, and broadcast journalist Angelo Palmones.
“We hope that this recognition will inspire our awardees and the rest of the armed forces to continue to fulfill their sworn duties with utmost commitment and dedication. May this award serve as an affirmation of the civilian sector’s trust in our armed force’s capacity to serve and protect our country and its people,” notes Sobrepeña.
The search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) recognizes the shared responsibility between the armed forces and the community in upholding a fair, free affluent society. This annual nationwide search honors four Commissioned Officers and six Non-Commissioned Officers who have demonstrated integrity, courage and professionalism on duty. TOPS was established in 1994 by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and in 1999 co-presented by Metrobank Foundation. The search is implemented in close coordination with Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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Philippine Army |
| Enlisted Personnel |
Current Assignment |
| Staff Sergeant Rodel E. Bonifacio |
Marksmanship Instructor
SRTS, FSSR, SOCOM, Philippine Army, Camp Tecson,
San Miguel, Bulacan |
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- Awarded his first Gold Cross Medal after leading an attack on 50 Abu Sayyaf rebels under Commander Robot in Sulu that killed 9 enemies and led to the rescue of 12 Jesus Miracle Crusade members.
- Awarded his 2nd Gold Cross Medal after heading an attack that captured an Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu, and his 3 rd Gold Cross Medal after leading reinforcements that forced Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sabaya’s rebels to withdraw in Basilan.
- From battles in Basilan, he earned his 4 th Gold Cross Medal after initiating a firefight that killed 5 of Khadaffy Janjalani’s rebels, as well as his 5 th Gold Cross Medal in an encounter with the MNLF-Misuari Renegade Group that killed Commander Itih Janjalani
- Participated in direct negotiations with disgruntled former Abu Sayyaf members and local residents in Luuk, Sulu that led to the surrender of 20 rebels.
- Directed school activities for AFP’s Civic-Action & Community Development Program, Field Training Exercises for CMT/ROTC cadets, Tree Planting and Bloodletting drives
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| Senior Master Sergeant Reynaldo D. Garcia |
Group Sergeant Major
Headquarters and Heardquarters Support Group, Philippine Army,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City |
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- As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expert, he led the disposal of a 1,000-lb bomb in Rizal, neutralized 1 bomb head, and 3 high explosives found in Tanay, Rizal.
- Led the creation of the Senior Non-Commissioned Advisory Council that handles concerns on the morale of Enlisted Personnel.
- Initiated the establishment of a Standing Operation Procedure for Headquarters and its Support Group for extending financial aid to the dependents of deceased personnel.
- Innovated on the design and cost of the blank howitzer round that resulted to savings of P 545, 700 for the Philippine Army.
- Served in a contingent to the Peacekeeping Force in East Timor where he maintained the database on peace activities that helped reduce the tension in the community
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| Commissioned Officer |
Current Assignment |
| Colonel Joselito E. Kakilala |
Military Assistant for Army and Public Affairs
Office of Senior Military Assistant / Office of Public and Legislative Affairs,
Department of National Defense, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City |
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- Led his outnumbered men through a six-hour gunfight against 100 NPA rebels in Surigao del Sur in 1996 when their tank was ambushed by the enemy.
- After only three months as Executive Officer, the 401 st Infantry Brigade rose to 1 st place in the Phil. Army from the initial 17 th under his leadership.
- Created a system of text-messaging press releases swiftly after receiving Spot Reports that prevented the spread of black propaganda against the army unit.
- Initiated the growth of 55 Barangay Defense Systems (BDS) in all barangays of San Jose City and Caranglan municipality, Nueva Ecija that became BDS-Cooperatives for which he helped secure a total capital of Three (3) Million Pesos.
- Headed his unit in conducting medical, dental and circumcision activities across Aurora province and Nueva Ecija that benefited 4, 493 civilians.
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Philippine Air Force |
| Enlisted Personnel |
Current Assignment |
| Technical Sergeant Sandy R. Terania |
Aviations Communication Technician
17th Special Operations Combat Support Group, 710th Special Operations Wing,
Philippine Air Force, Clark Air Base, Pampanga |
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- Earned the Military Merit Medal in deploying two aircraft for an air strike mission in Cotabato City that led to accurate location of MILF Kidnap for Ransom Groups.
- Won the Bronze Cross Medal in selfless response to a car-bomb explosion by MILF at Awang Airport Terminal and the Gold Cross Medal for leading his crew in preparing planes to attack Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah, and MILF forces in January 2005.
- Spearheaded the upgrading of communications and navigation equipment of trainer planes in Lipa City, Batangas that saved the government P 1,144,125.00.
- Involved in converting Lipa’s SF260TP trainer planes to attack configuration that bolstered the fleet’s air strike support for ground troops.
- Participated in the 17 th Attack Squadron’s “Adopt-a-School” project for Manuel Roxas Elementary School in Cavite City, and the construction of the Granja Hospital.
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| Technical Sergeant Jesus B. Fabian |
Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician / Training Technician
17th Attack Squadron, 15th Strike Wing, Major Danilo Atienza Air Base,
Sangley Point, Cavite City |
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- Defused a 250-lb phosphorous bomb accidentally discovered by digging operations in Mabalacat, Pampanga that would have harmed about 200 residents in the area.
- Conceptualized the Disruptor Kit and a modified bomb trailer made to minimize detonation risk that together generated P 1,634,000 worth of savings for the Air Force.
- Served as part of PAF contingent deployed to secure “hot spots” in the 2001 senatorial and local elections.
- Served as Security Personnel in the 4 th Asia Pacific Economic Leaders Meeting in Manila and Subic in 1996 and protective force in the RP-US Balikatan Exercises at Angeles.
- Neutralized a home-made bomb containing a fragmentation grenade wrapped with M-16 cartridges at Saver’s Mall, Angeles City.
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| Commissioned Officer |
Current Assignment |
| Captain Randy G. Bance |
Chief
Headquarters Service Group. GHQ and HSC, AFP General Headquarters,
Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City |
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- Participated in a major campaign in Jolo, Sulu that led to the release of 17 Abu Sayyaf hostages and the death of 137 ASG members.
- Led the strafing of NPAs who harassed a CAFGU detachment in Baay Licuan, Abra and earned the Bronze Cross Medal for aerial security of the 2008 ASEAN Summit.
- Earned the Gold Cross Medal as a Wingman by leading his team in air support for the 6 th Infantry Division in attacking the MILF stronghold in Pikit, North Cotabato.
- Flew 42 combat missions as a Pilot-in-Command with 69 flying hours, firing 94 rockets and 7,175 rounds of 0.50 caliber over the last five years without accident.
- Initiated the organization of his hometown’s Alumni Association that has enhanced the school library and seeks to endow scholarship grants, among other projects.
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Philippine Navy |
| Enlisted Personnel |
Current Assignment |
| Radarman 1st Class Rosimalu D. Galgao |
Harbor Pilot
Headquarters Port Facilities, Naval Base Cavite,
Fort San Felipe, Cavite City |
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- Member of the PS-37 crew that participated in naval exercises with the New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea navies.
- Part of the piloting team and crew of PS-37 which apprehended M/L Mercedes on November 1999 for illegal fishing.
- Conducted EEZ in sovereignty and patrol operations at Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan from 1998 to 1999 as Chief Radarman and Quartermaster.
- Radarman and fire-control operator of the PS-37 combat crew that supported ground elements against enemies in Parang, Sulu where 153 MNLF regulars were arrested.
- Repaired and maintained the navigation, electrical, and fire-control equipment of various ships that resulted to energy savings.
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| Chief Petty Officer Edwin G. Palacios |
Chief Master at Arms
Group Support Squadron, Naval Air Group, Philippine Fleet,
Naval Base Cavite, Sangley Point, Cavite City |
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- Conducts periodic inspection and expeditious repair of Philippine Navy aircraft for 33 years without compromising safety and quality.
- Responded actively to rescue operations in the 1990 Baguio earthquake, collision of M/V Soria and M/V Cebu City, and M/V Pearl of the Orient incident.
- Led his team in conducting engine change of a helicopter that made a single-engine landing in enemy-infested Jamidan, Capiz.
- Aided Mt. Pinatubo eruption victims, families hit by a 1997 flash flood in Infanta, Quezon, and the Aetas in their resettlement in Pampanga.
- Participated in multilateral exercises with the US Navy and always chosen as Crew Chief in critical exercises and foreign missions.
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| Commissioned Officer |
Current Assignment |
| Captain Jose Renan C. Suarez |
Director
Naval Modernization Office, Headquarters Philippine Navy,
Roxas Boulevard, Manila |
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- Participated in naval campaigns against the Abu Sayyaf Group’s Sipadan Island kidnapping in 2001 and Dos Palmas abduction in 2004.
- Formulated a curriculum for the Commanding Officer’s and Executive Officer’s course that was more responsive to operations needs of warship command.
- Initiated instructor qualification program and updating of more than 20 specialization and career courses at the Naval School Center.
- Wrote the Surface Warfare Manual, the first operational manual of its kind, that provides basis for naval operations and tactical measures.
- Spearheads health assistance efforts for alumni as Corporate Secretary and Chairman of the Welfare committee and member of the PMA Alumni Association Board of Directors.
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Technical Services |
| Awardees |
Current Assignment |
| Captain Ana Lisa J. Morata |
Chief
Office of the Chief Nurse, Air Force, Headquarters Philippine Air Force,
Pasay City |
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- Conducted activities that uplifted the conditions of Airmen’s Villages in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu and Sta. Maria, Zamboanga, and implemented basic health programs for the base residents as then Primary Health Care Officer.
- Performed hundreds of air-evacuation and medical care missions in Jolo and Basilan as a junior military officer assigned in Zamboanga’s Philippine Air Force Hospital.
- Improved upon the recruitment program for the medical and nursing corps by making a presentation that officers are now using for the Recruitment Intensification Program.
- Initiated the upgrading of First Aid and Basic Life Support training modules for which she earned the military medal in the field of education.
- Participated in Medical Civic Action activities and is an accredited instructor of the Safety Services, Philippine National Red Cross National Headquarters since 2005
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go to 2008
News and Announcements Archive
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Metrobank
Foundation, Inc.
15th Floor, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave.,
1200 Makati City, Philippines
E-mail address:
foundation@metrobank.com.ph
Direct Line: (63-2) 857-5918; (63-2)
898-8855; (63-2) 898-8898; (63-2) 750-0837 Telefax: (63-2) 818-5656 |
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