MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead today the celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 79th anniversary and honor 28 soldiers and civilian employees for their outstanding performance.
Among the awardees are Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao and Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, who will receive the Philippine Legion of Honor – Degree of Officer for their “exceptionally meritorious and valuable service rendered in a position of major responsibility.”
Lactao served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations from December 2013 to September 2014 and the incumbent commander of the 4th Infantry Division.
Balutan, meanwhile, was lauded for his accomplishments as the former chief of the 1st Marine Brigade from November 2010 to February 2014.
Balutan, the current Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, became controversial last year after he criticized the alleged embezzling of pork barrel funds in his Facebook account. In his post, Balutan said some officials are committing corruption while soldiers are dying in the battlefield.
“We are fighting a war in the (countryside) that these corrupt government officials have created against desperate, oppressed people who see no possibility of improving their lot,” he said. – Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude