PAF, army promote SEA Games heroes

The Philippine Air Force promoted yesterday 46 PAF athletes who helped power Team Philippines to the overall championship in the recent Southeast Asian Games here with their gold medal feats in both the individual and team events.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jose Reyes personally pinned the PAF gold medalists, led by A2C hammer thrower Arniel Ferrera, with their new ranks during the special flag raising ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Also honored were 17 Army enlisted personnel who likewise dished out gold medal performances in the biennial meet, which the country ruled for the first time since it joined the sporting conclave in 1977.

Reyes also cited those who won silver and bronze medals and gave the corresponding Military Merit Medals in recognition of their achievement.

Ferrera was personally lauded by Reyes for establishing a new hammer throw record of 60.47 meters that shattered the 12-year-old SEA Games mark.

The other PAF gold medalists were Tshomlee Go (taekwondo), Gretchen Malalad (karatedo), Jimmy Angana (wrestling), Francis Villanueva (wrestling), Ernie Candelario (athletics), Julius Felicisimo Nierras (athletics), Benjamin Tolentino (rowing), Alvin Amposta (rowing), Anne Joy Fernandez (arnis), John Baylon (judo), Marniel Dimla (pencak silat), Cristabel Martes (marathon);

Ruben Angeles, Juniffer Dinero, Alejando Velasquez, Ernesto Velasquez, Ernesto Binarao, Wilfredo Hidalgo, Ferdinand Recto, Virgilio Roxas (baseball), Rizel Santos, Apolonio Rosales, Anthony Santos, Isidro Abello, Sonnuboy Acuna, Florante Acuna, Romeo Bumagat, Mark Ramirez, Marciano Sta. Ana (softball-men), Belen Ramirez, Nimfa Baral, Nelia Lara, Gina Salvador, Corazon Sobere, Roberto Ituralde and Rolly Malaguit (softball-women);

Ricky Sardena, Crisanto Pabulayan, Norman Bacus, Jesus Asok Jr., Rommel Dionio, Deomides Manalo, Ricky Sardena (boat race-men); Marietta Alba, Ailene Padrones and Alejandra Orola (boat race-women).

Over at Fort Bonifacio, Army chief, Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, likewise pinned the new rank for the 17 Armymen. Leading those promoted to the next rank were Sgt. Danilo Fresnido (javelin), Cpl. Romy John Dionio, Ronald Tan, Joemar Ocquina, Salvador Sumagaysay, Usman Anterola (traditional boat race), Maritess Bibit (cycling cross-country), Genebert Basadre (boxing);

Cpls. Manolito Binarao, Manuel Bacarisas, Dario Bacarisas, Miguel Moncera, Rogelio Roxas Jr. (softball); Marcos Valda (wrestling), Harry Tañamor (boxing); Pfcs. Alfie Catalan (cycling, individual pursuit) and Maristela Torres (athletics, long jump).

"The MMM was also awarded to 20 of our athletes for their meritorious accomplishments and outstanding performance as members of Team Philippines that won the overall championship in the SEA Games," Maj. Bartolome Bacarro, Army spokesman said.

The Philippine Army (PA) fielded 91 of its athletes in SEA Games. <