THE 11th Infantry Division (11ID) rendered honors to Colonel Amadeo Cruz, Acting Chief of Staff of 11ID, through a fitting Testimonial Parade and Review and Retirement Ceremony in recognition of his 35 years of faithful and distinguished military service to the nation.
The fitting ceremony was held at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista that houses the 11ID headquarters in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, on Wednesday, July 9.
Presided over by Major General Leonardo Peña, 11ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Orion commander, the ceremony was attended by senior military officers, civilian stakeholders, and the family of Cruz. The heartfelt tribute highlighted his inspiring leadership, key assignments, and enduring commitment to duty.
In his tribute, Peña praised the steadfast devotion of Cruz to duty and troops.
“For seven years, Colonel Cruz served in Sulu—a place once seen as a post no soldier would choose, fearing they may never return home,” Peña said.
“Yet he came, he stayed, and he led—with unwavering courage and a heart filled with compassion,” he added.
Peña noted that Cruz always looked after the welfare of his men, especially the enlisted personnel and that the latter’s leadership was rooted in genuine love—for the organization, for our people, for our country, and most of all, for God.
“Truly, he is not just a brave soldier of the Republic, but also a fearless soldier of God,” he added.
In his response, Cruz expressed deep gratitude to all who stood by him throughout his career.
“For the past 35 years, my guiding principle has always been clear—to serve God, our country, and our people. I thank my family—especially my loving wife—for their unwavering support and sacrifices,” Cruz said.
“Let us never fear service or leadership. Both are callings and gifts from God that we must embrace with gratitude,” he added
A Testimonial Dinner followed the ceremony, where colleagues, friends, and loved ones shared stories, gave tributes, and celebrated the legacy of a leader who touched many lives.
As Cruz approaches his compulsory retirement on Saturday, July 12, the 11ID expressed its profound respect and gratitude to a visionary leader, mentor, and patriot—Colonel Amadeo U. Cruz, whose legacy of service will continue to inspire generations of soldiers to come.
A proud son of Dagupan City, Cruz was born on July 12, 1968, and earned his degree in Civil Engineering before joining the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994.
Over the years, he held crucial positions such as Commanding Officer of the 35th Infantry Battalion, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade, and Acting Chief of Staff of 11ID.
His service spanned Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region, always marked by excellence and integrity.
An accomplished military professional and lifelong learner, Cruz completed the Command and General Staff Course, the National Security Studies Program, and obtained a Master’s degree in Public Management.
His decorated career earned him numerous accolades, including the Gold Cross Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran, Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal, Combat Commander Kagitingan Badge—and most recently, the Distinguished Service Medal, conferred during the ceremony in recognition of his exemplary and long-standing service. (SunStar Zamboanga)