WestMinCom awards scout rangers during send-off in Zambo City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 5, 2018) - Valiant scout rangers from Marawi City were pinned the Gold Cross Medals during the send-off and flag-raising ceremony at the Headquarters Western Mindanao Command at around 7am Monday (February 5) Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that 1st Lieutenant Jay-Arr Quiapo, Sergeant Gerry Gaspar Padayogdog, Sergeant AntoninoBasa, Corporal LisanAspacio, and Corporal Rodrigo Novilla of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were awarded the Gold Cross Medals for their gallantry during the series of armed engagements with Maute fighters in Marawi City.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the 5SRBn troops will be deployed to the province of Sulu to defeat members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the Province. The unit was just recently activated and was first deployed in Marawi City during the height of the battle. Its Battalion Commander LTC Marlo Jomalesa led the unit during series of unit trainings at Camp Malagutay, Zamboanga while awaiting its deployment.

Addressing the rangers, Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. said: “I am sure that you will do well in defeating the threats in Sulu as you did a great job in leading the fight to liberate Marawi City from the claws of the terrorists.”

“I am confident that you will be able to deliver the soonest.”

Major Balanse, the 5SRBn Executive Officer, rendered a completeness report to Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr prior the activity, Cpt Petinglay added.