SIX personnel, including two officers, of the Philippine Marine Corps have been awarded Gold Cross Medal, the fourth highest military award, for gallantry in action in Marawi City.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief, led the awarding ceremony that was held after Monday’s flag ceremony at Camp Navarro that houses the Wesmincom headquarters in this city.

The awardees are First Lieutenant Bobby Gabayno; First Lieutenant Kim Adrian Martal; Sergeant Lito Malana; Sergeant Sherwin Seraspe; Corporal Johnson Curato; and Corporal Rodrigo Palting Jr.

A command plaque was awarded to Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) command chief, for his outstanding leadership and sterling management skills as NFWM commander that led to the interception of the plan of the Isis-inspired terrorists to gain control of Marawi City and turn it into a caliphate.

Three personnel of the Naval Intelligence and Service Group were also awarded with the Distinguished Navy Cross and the Military Merit Medal for their distinguished and meritorious accomplishments during the Marawi crisis.

Galvez said the awardees made the Armed Forces of the Philippines proud and the nation as well for their meritorious achievements.