2 Pangasinense soldiers in outstanding list

LINGAYEN -- Two Pangasinense soldiers made it to the 2012 Search for Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (Tops), an annual project of the Metrobank Foundation Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro.

The two awardees are Col. Raul Tangco, a native of Bayambang town and Senior Master Sgt. Augusto Reyes, who is from San Quintin in Eastern Pangasinan.

Tangco, dean of Academics of the Academic Group, Philippine Military Academy (PMA), was selected under the Technical and Administrative Service-Corps of Professors Category.

Reyes who was chosen under the Philippine Air Force Enlisted Personnel Category is currently the Overall Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Civil Military Operations.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on September 5.

Joining Tangco and Reyes under the Commissioned Officers category are Colonel Milfredo Melegrito from the Philippine Army (PA), Captain Erick Kagaoan from the Philippine Navy (PN), and Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Francisco Jr. from the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The other awardees under the enlisted personnel category are Technical Sergeant Rolando Diomangay and Master Sergeant Juana Hernal, from the Philippine Army, Engineman Second Class Arce Balasbas and Engineman Third Class Ricky Burgos from the Philippine Navy, Senior Master Sergeant Augusto Reyes and Master Sergeant Emerito Angcao of the Philippine Air Force.

Governor Amado Espino Jr., himself a bemedalled retired police officer, congratulated the two outstanding soldiers for their dedication to serving their country and for the pride and honor they brought to their home province of Pangasinan.

In his letter to the governor, Metrobank Foundation Inc. president Aniceto Sobrepeña congratulated the Espino for the accomplishment of the two Pangasinenses. At the same time, he requested Espino to grant the two soldiers conferment and appropriate recognition after the awarding ceremonies of The Outstanding Filipinos. This is to further inspire our Philippine soldiers and the rest of the Armed Forces in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government through a resolution being passed by the Provincial Board, had been giving recognition to police officers in active service with the rank of Police Chief Superintendent and up.

A good number of Pangasinense police generals hold key positions in the Philippine National Police. (Sunnex)