MANILA, Philippines - Following a wave of recognition and rewards, three of the four honor guards during the funeral of former President Corazon Aquino would be given military merit medals for their exemplary performance.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said Army Pfc. Antonio Cadiente, Airman Second Class Gener Laguindan, Navy Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez would be awarded in a formal ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo today for showing the highest form of discipline and professionalism when they guarded the remains of the late leader to her final resting place.
Brawner said the three carried out their task in the finest military fashion – even if it was not in the field of combat – earning them not only local, but international recognition.
But he clarified that the three would not be the only ones to be awarded but also other soldiers who were involved from the wake at La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral.
“It would not be a single awarding because they are about 1,000 AFP personnel, but definitely everybody would be awarded,” he said.
Brawner said AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado is very proud of what the soldiers did, because they not only showed the present state of discipline within the ranks but also they were able to show the military’s love for the beloved leader by the simple gesture of rendering full military honors.
He said they are expecting the three to become role models among their colleagues and inspire others to do their job well regardless of their assignment.
Following the funeral march, the three soldiers became instant celebrities. Everywhere they went, people would want to have their picture taken with the four, who gained recognition because of the extraordinary display of discipline and professionalism in standing beside the coffin bearing Aquino’s remains for more than eight hours.
Last Friday, they were given “cash rewards” by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and former senator Butz Aquino in Makati City.
Last Thursday night, the four were invited by the Aquino family to join a Mass and dinner at the house of Philippine Olympic Committee chair Jose “Peping” Cojuangco at his residence in Makati City.
There, they were also given “cash rewards” for their extraordinary feat, which according to Cadiente, would go to their families.
Laguindan said the recognition that they received after serving as honor guards made them feel that every assignment in the AFP is never too little for anyone.
“Even if, as a soldier, you are not fighting out in the field, even if you are assigned in the office, we should do our share and do our job in the best way we could,” he said.