|
||||
| AFP render hero's support for slain peacekeepers |
|
MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has rendered a heroes welcome in honor of the three Filipino peacekeepers who lost their lives in the killer quake in Haiti last January 12. AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the remains of Sgt. Janice Arocena, Sgt. Eustacio Bermudez Jr. and DP3 Pearly Panangui arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 together with that of Jerome Yap, a UN International Staff who also died in that quake. From the airport, the remains were immediately transferred to the Base Operations, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City for the arrival honors rendered by the Philippine Air Force (PAF). "The remains of the peacekeepers will then be transferred to St. Ignatius Cathedral in Camp Aguinaldo while the remains of Mr. Yap will be turned over to his family. Arrival honors will be rendered by the General Headquarters Ceremonial Honor Unit followed by a mass and vigil services," said Brawner. The Military Merit Medal (MMM) and UN Service Medal were awarded to each of the said peacekeepers to honor their unselfish services and commitment to peace and security both to our nation and the world at large. It is a military tradition to provide funeral honors to members of the AFP as a final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to the unselfish service rendered by soldiers to the nation and to other nations as well. "On behalf of the AFP Chief of Staff General Victor S. Ibrado, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we wish to extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers who died during the killer quake in Haiti," said Brawner. "We have lost soldiers but their sacrifices, professionalism and dedication to their service within the country and overseas, moving beyond their duties will surely be immortalized," added Brawner. (MNS) |