ASIDE from Sinaglahi class of 2015, a Siklab Diwa alumni stood out during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation on Sunday.
2nd Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez of Siklab Diwa class of 2014 was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Star award for being the platoon leader of the 73rd Infantry Battalion-10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in a successful operation in Sarangani province on February 16, 2015.
Sanchez told Sun.Star Baguio his group has been operating for one month in Davao del Sur when they were suddenly sent to Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani after a report of the presence of elements of the New People's Army led by alias "Lucas", secretary of Front 75 of the NPA's Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.
Once they got there, civilians themselves already informed the team of the NPA's whereabouts where the eight-hour clash occurred between some 30 NPAs and 15 members of the Philippine Army.
Sanchez said their operation ended up with seven body count; capture of nine high-powered firearms; 30 backpacks; explosive devices, medical kits, subversive documents and other more war materials.
No one from the government troop was hurt.
President Benigno Aquino himself not only gave recognition to Sanchez during the graduation ceremony but also highlighted him as an exemplary model of a soldier.
"Hindi naman natin inaasahan na maging dalubhasa agad ang isang baguhan. Kaya nga nakakabilib itong si Lt. Sanchez dahil wala pang isang taon mula nang magtapos siya y pambihira nq ang ipinamalas niyang angkinh lakas at galing sa pagtupad ng kanyang tungkulin," stated the President in his speech.
"Bibigyan ko ng diin: bagitong sundalo si 2nd Lt. Sanchez. Hindi po siya miyembro ng isang elite unit. Pero sa maikling panahon pa lamang ng inilagi niya sa serbisyo, nagpakita na siya ng ibayong tapag at epektibong pamumuno," he added.
Aquino shared he himself sought for Sanchez's promotion but was told that the latter's promotion will only be temporary if ever.
Temporary promotion would mean after a one-year promotion, Sanchez will go back as a 2nd Lieutenant.
But Aquino maintained meritocracy should be applied in his case for what he has shown.
"Maganda ang ginawa, dapat permanente kaya dito ho muna tayo sa award ng Distinguished Conduct of Service," he explained.
Although this is Sanchez' first among the many more encounters he is yet to face in the future, he was overwhelmed by the recognition awarded by President himself.
"Masaya (ako) dahil hindi nababalewala yung pakikipaglaban namin sa mga nanggugulo sa ating bansa at pinapahalagan ang sakripisyo naming mga sundalo," he said.
Despite all threats to the government warriors serving the country particularly those who are in operations after what happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Sanchez remains committed to his service.
"Kailangan naming mas maging maingat at lalong maging handa. Tuloy pa din ang sinumpaan naming propesyon," he closed.
The Distinguished Conduct Star award is the second highest military award in the Armed Forces of the Philippines precedent to the Medal of Valor award.