AFP's Bautista honors heroes in Yolanda

ILOILO CITY , Philippines— Two soldiers who displayed heroism during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda were given honors recently in ceremonies held at the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division headquarters at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

General Emmanuel Bautista, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), bestowed the Bronze Cross Medal to Captains Aristotle Cuaton and Julius Pablo, both assigned at the 12th CAFGU (Cadre) Battalion for their heroism in the conduct of disaster rescue operations when Yolanda struck on Nov. 8.

Cuaton led the soldiers in initially evacuating 2,536 residents of barangays Navitas, Albasa and Badio in Numancia town of Aklan in the morning of Nov. 8. He said a good number of residents did not leave their houses but he returned and succeeded in convincing around 900 of them to seek refuge in a safer area.

An hour after Yolanda hit Aklan province, Cuaton was informed that some indigenous people (IPs) in Brgy. Laguinbawa, also in Numancia, must be evacuated due to flashflood. He and his group were able to rescue 42 persons as a result.

Pablo and his team, for their part, were able to evacuate 2,875 residents of Brgy. Laserna in Kalibo, Aklan.

Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd ID commander, said the crucial evacuation and timely intervention of his troops have minimized the casualty in Aklan, especially the thousands of residents in the coastal areas.

"We also acknowledge the efforts of the local government units of Aklan for working hand-in-hand with us before, during and after the calamity. In the spirit of bayanihan, let us work together and continue to extend our hands in helping the people affected by the tragedy," Baladad said. — (FREEMAN)