Under Philippine Republic Act No. 9049,[6] a Medal of Valor awardee is entitled to lifetime monthly gratuity of ₱20,000 that is separate and distinct from any salary or pension the awardee is receiving or will receive from the government.[7] The amount of this monthly gratuity was increased to ₱75,000 in 2016 by President Rodrigo Duterte.[2][8]
Appearance
The medal is described as a disc adorned with a golden sea-lion in relief holding the eight-rayed Philippine sun, and water waves composed of five blue ripples. The disk rests on a red cross with golden borders and crossed golden swords. The top-most flange of the cross contains three golden stars in a triangular pattern. A golden bar embossed with the phrase "For Valor" connects the medal to a sampaguitawreath consisting of ten white buds and twenty-two green leaves. The wreath serves as a link to the neck ribbon, which is crimson with eight golden stars arranged horizontally forming two parallel lines. The service ribbon, worn in lieu of the medal itself, is similarly crimson with eight golden stars arranged horizontally forming two parallel lines, five stars on the top line and three on the bottom.[1]
The phrase For Valor embossed on the bar has led some sources to call the medal the "Medal For Valor", and the Philippine Army itself refers to it this way.[9] However, other official Philippine government sources refer to it as the "Medal of Valor".[10]
Symbolism
The sea-lion represents the Office of the President of the Philippines. The eight-rayed sun represents the eight Philippine provinces that revolted against Spain. The blue ripples represent the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The crossed swords represent conflict with the enemy in defense of the nation; the three stars represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the three island groups of the Philippines, while the sampaguita wreath symbolizes the highest honor for courage and gallantry. The red coloration signifies bravery.[1]
Recipient's privileges
The Medal for Valor's recipient, his widow, or her dependents are privileged to receive preferential treatment when applying for government work, public housing, loans not exceeding ₱500,000, and lease or acquisition of public land.
In addition, they are exempt from tuition fees in public and private schools and other institutions of learning. Children of the recipient who wish to attend the Philippine Military Academy, if qualified, receive priority for commission into the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon graduation. They also receive free medication from both public and private hospitals.
Other privileges include a 20% discount on hotel bills, transportation services, restaurants, theaters, carnivals, and when purchasing pharmaceutical drugs. Government entities or private companies who deny the recipient these privileges are penalized with up to six years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding ₱300,000.
The portraits of Medal of Valor recipients are displayed in the Hall of Heroes at Camp Aguinaldo, headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon City.[13] The Hall of Valor at the Philippine Military Academy also showcases the portraits of PMA Medal of Valor recipients.[14]
"He and his men engaged its defenders in a bloody hand-to-hand combat, killing 30 of them, and thus preserving the lives of government soldiers."[17] "In this gallant act, one PC soldier was killed while five others were wounded. Lieutenant Santos sustained a near-fatal gunshot (wound) at the back of the head."[16]
"Major Cruz volunteered for the hazardous mission of entering the Philippines and obtaining information there of the great importance to the Government of the Commonwealth and the Southwest Pacific Command. His capture by the enemy would have meant torture and certain death."[16]
"His presence of mind and display of exemplary courage and bravery in the timely disposal of the lethal grenade saved the life of the First President of the Philippines (Manuel Roxas) and those of his family and other higher ranking officials of the Republic, who at that moment, were all with him on the platform."[16]
"He succeeded in recovering the body of Lieutenant Artiaga and that of three (3) other enlisted men when not being satisfied with this and acting above and beyond the call of duty, he proceeded to assault an enemy emplacement about 300 yards away despite the hail of enemy fires until he fell dead from an enemy bullet."[16]
"... awarded the Medal of Valor after a successful combat mission behind enemy lines which killed a notorious Hukbalahap leader."[18] "At a pre-arranged signal they immediately opened fire on the Huks and, with concentrated fire, they were able to kill Commander Villapando, Commander Gueverra and one Huk bodyguard. One of the Huks shot back, hitting Master Sergeant Camacho, who died soon afterwards."[16]
"... awarded the Medal of Valor after a successful combat mission behind enemy lines which killed a notorious Hukbalahap leader."[18] "Master Sergeant Camacho together with Corporal Martillana, ... posed as civilians and befriended Eddie Villapando, notorious Huk Commander who terrorized Cavite and Batangas for many years. With Master Sergeant Camacho as leader, these enlisted men, after establishing contact with Villapando in September 1955, skillfully and at great risk to themselves, won the confidence of Villapando and his bodyguards."[16]
Marcos had claimed to be the recipient of 300 war medals, a controversial claim due to his contentious war history. The official reason given for Marcos' conferment of the Medal of Valor was reportedly for his: "... prevention of the possible decimation of withdrawing USAFFE troops in a 'suicidal action against overwhelming enemy forces', thus helping delay the inevitable fall of Bataan."[19]
"Staff Sergeant Pastolero was able to empty his magazine before he expired and in his dying moments accounted for eight (8) HMBs out of the twenty two (22) dissidents killed during the melee. His coolness under fire, his indomitable courage, his fortitude and his fighting spirit are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines."[16]
"Although wounded, he rallied the demoralized and badly hit group defending the headquarters, reorganized the defensive positions, and evacuated the wounded and the dead to safe areas. He held the attack for five hours until the insurgents disengaged and withdrew from the scene, with 16 killed and 10 Garand rifles and one 12-gauge shotgun lost."[16]
"Unfazed, First Lieutenant Estrella rallied his men and the fierce fire-fight lasted seven hours until the terrorists withdrew. At the scene of the encounter, they recovered 22 bodies of dead terrorists, including 3 commanders, 12 high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition and subversive documents."[16]
"Despite his sensing the advance of the reinforcing rebels coming from the main body, he steadfastly stood his ground and fiercely fought with automatic fires and grenade launchers, while interchangeably operating the 60 millimeter mortar until the enemy withdrew, leaving behind 37 terrorists killed and several others wounded. This conspicuous and heroic act of Sergeant Granfil prevented the complete annihilation of the beleaguered troops, the saving of many lives and prevented the loss of government properties."[16]
Salvador was one of the soldiers defending Camp Aguinaldo during the 1989 Philippine coup attempt. When rebel armored personnel carriers rammed the camp's gate, Salvador fired on the vehicles with a 90mm recoilless rifle, killing several crewmen inside. One of those killed turned out to be Salvador's brother, Rogelio.[22]
"The two-hour gun battle resulted in 84 terrorists killed with 22 dead bodies counted, including 17 recovered on site, 8 captured, and several others wounded and missing as reported by the Negros Regional Party Committee."[14]
6th CAFGU Active Auxiliary Company, 21st Infantry Battalion
1991
Living
"He executed a systematic attack through proper maneuvers and strict adherence to fire discipline by firing only at sure enemy targets to conserve their ammunition and spare the civilians from being caught in the crossfire."[11]
Rubi single-handedly fought 100 New People's Army guerrillas, killing 26 after a three-hour firefight. He was armed with an M16 rifle with about 200 rounds of ammunition and two grenades.[23]
Bandong's platoon was overwhelmed by New People's Army guerrillas during a 9-hour firefight. Volunteering to stay behind while his men withdrew, Bandong's last call was for artillery to "Fire on my location." "By this display of heroism Second Lieutenant Jose Bandong Jr upheld the highest virtue of military leadership and professionalism, thus earning distinct credit for himself and the Armed Forces of the Philippines."[24]
CAFGU Active Auxiliary Salvacion Patrol Base, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 29th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division
1992
Living
"With his valiant and resolute chivalry and unnerving audacity, Staff Sergeant Cuenca repeatedly repulsed and subdued the enemy's continued attempts to overrun their detachment. Although outnumbered, Staff Sergeant Cuenca was able to hold his ground for almost three hours of heavy firefight with the enemy."[25]
"While defending the government's infrastructure project in the area, Lucero paid the ultimate sacrifice but showed the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery."[18]
"Uncertain of what will happen to them, the members of the Squads, left their valuables to their supporting comrades to be further given to their loved ones, in anticipation of their deaths."[11]
Forrosuelo volunteered to stay behind as a delaying force, inspiring five other soldiers to do the same in an act of self-sacrifice to allow the rest of his unit to re-position at a more advantageous location after being engaged in a firefight with 500-600 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that lasted four hours.[23]
Curig was awarded for his actions in the same operation in which his CO Herbert Dilag received his.[28] "SSgt Curig and 13 other Rangers volunteered for and organized a "suicide squad" to execute the final assault. Thoroughly exhausted yet unmindful of losing their lives, they rushed towards the enemy's fortified defenses and carried out an intense bunker-to-bunker close (quarter) battle."[27]
"With boldness, innovative guerrilla techniques, and a resolve to accomplish the mission, he and his men were able to close in, and dealt with the enemies face to face. "... showed unfaltering will power which inspired his men to fight aggressively, eventually resulting in the successful neutralization of 7 terrorists."[11]
"Diokno assisted Noel Buan in planning the operation against the Abu Sayyaf ... voluntarily risked his life above and beyond the call of duty by allowing himself to become part of the entrapment operation to accomplish the neutralization of Hamsiraji Sali and his group."[30]
"With the courage, dedication and sacrifice of Private First Class Ian Pacquit, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy strongholds."[31]
"Cpt. Sandoval distinguished himself in combat as he displayed extraordinary courage, bravery, sterling leadership and professionalism by offering the greatest sacrifice of giving his life to a fellow comrade, thereby keeping with the finest tradition of the Filipino soldiery."[33]
"His gallant defense through ferocious fighting attracted heavy volume of enemy fire to concentrate on him, thus relieving the pressure on the withdrawing elements from incurring further casualty. When recovery teams were sent out after the savage battle, they found 30 or more dead outlaws in the periphery of the dead body of Private First Class Acero whose left arm was cradling the neck of Private First Class Buaya. This display of gallantry and heroism at the sacrifice of his beyond and above the call of duty distinguished Private First Class Acero as among the finest in the military service."[16]
"Through skillful direction of friendly fires and maneuvers, his men evaded detection and sowed confusion within enemy lines while dislodging Abu Sayyaf elements from each bunker in close quarter battle."[11] "... he single-handedly maneuvered forward and delivered fatal burst of fire to the enemy gunner, making the last defense of the Abu Sayyaf group to collapse, and forcing the remaining enemies to scamper in different directions, bringing with them their dead and wounded. The capture of Camp Al Madinah and the neutralization of 46 Abu Sayyaf extremists greatly pressured the enemy to release Luis Anthony Biel III."[34]
"Just when it seemed that his task was done, the Platoon Commander was hit by enemy fire. Sergeant Campo rushed back to the forward position to attend to and evacuate the officer, exposing himself once again to the intense hostile gunfire. In the process, he was fatally hit by enemy bullets, dying right there at the combat scene. All the 11 Marines he attended to have survived. Only the angel of mercy himself lost his life so that others may live."[34]
52nd Marine Company, Force Reconnaissance Battalion
2000
Killed in action
"While providing fires, these courageous men were hit, unmindful of their wounds, maneuvered once more to another covered position and fired at the enemies until they were caught by the RPG blast which lifted their lifeless body momentarily from the ground. Their gallantry and act of heroism have greatly helped in extricating their wounded comrades thus minimizing casualties and preventing the possibility of total annihilation from the superior enemy forces."[34]
"While providing fires, these courageous men were hit, unmindful of their wounds, maneuvered once more to another covered position and fired at the enemies until they were caught by the RPG blast which lifted their lifeless body momentarily from the ground. Their gallantry and act of heroism have greatly helped in extricating their wounded comrades thus minimizing casualties and preventing the possibility of total annihilation from the superior enemy forces."[34]
"... inspired courage in his men with his daring maneuvers, unmindful of his own safety, moving positions and drawing fire towards himself with the end of pinpointing where the enemy fire was coming from."[36] "Under his inspiring leadership, his men fought ferociously forcing the enemy's last line of defense to collapse and sending them scampering to different directions along with their dead and wounded and leaving behind their vaunted rocket launchers and high powered firearms as well as documents of high intelligence value."[34]
"Under the hail of heavy enemy fire and relentless RPG attacks, he audaciously moved from one hasty cover to another across the line of fire, crawling, leapfrogging, delivering potent accurate counter-fire, and throwing grenades towards every enemy position. Alone in the advance position, he repulsed the enemy counterattack almost single-handedly. It was unfortunate, however, that in the last instance, an RPG round found its mark near his position. The blast wounded him fatally which caused his instantaneous death."[34]
Team 1, 61st Marine Company, Force Reconnaissance Battalion
2001
Died from wounds
Narag, serving as radioman for his team during an operation, spied on a Moro rebel camp but was detected and shot at by enemy snipers. Wounded, he nevertheless radioed coordinates for artillery support and airstrikes. "An estimated 200 Moro fighters were then at the rebel camp. If not for Narag's efforts, the 18 other Marines in his team would have just fallen into a trap."[37] "... he repeatedly rejected the plea of his other comrades that he be evacuated. With all the strength his dying body could ever muster, he gallantly fought back until the Commanding Officer of the unit himself dragged him towards the MEDEVAC vehicle."[34]
"... Corporal Layaguin braved all odds, without regard for his own safety, rushed forward to save the wounded Corporal Narag in order to extricate the latter to the rear position. He later on shielded Corporal Narag with his own body to secure the latter... In the process, he was hit by a sniper's bullet in the body. In spite of the wound sustained, he still managed to extricate Corporal Narag... unfortunately, a second sniper's bullet found its mark on his forehead that killed him instantaneously. He tried to save the life of a fellow Marine, never leaving him at the expense of his own life."[34]
"Private First Class Tinangag along with three (3) other Marines volunteered to evacuate the wounded and killed troops to the Casualty Collection Point (CCP). After numerous trips of evacuating the wounded and killed troops from the engagement area to CCP under the hail of enemy fires, the rest of the team of Pfc Tinangag decided to sought cover and rest as they were too exhausted from carrying wounded and killed in action including their weapons and ammunition to the CCP. Disregarding his own safety and acting without orders, Pfc Tinangag stealthily maneuvered and crawled through the rubbles to get close to the casualties while fearlessly and repeatedly exposing himself from the enemies' line of fire. Without hesitation, Pfc Tinangag moved forward even through the hail of grenades and heavy machine gun fires making four more separate trips to rescue four (4) wounded Marines... Pfc Tinangag selflessly and single handedly saved the lives of four (40 Marines and extricated one (1) KIA in exchange of his own life."[39][40]
"General Douglas MacArthur decided to get in touch with members of the resistance movement in the Philippines, and for this purpose he enlisted the services of Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Antonio Villamor to return to the islands. Notwithstanding the knowledge that such a mission was fought with hardships, difficulties, and risks to his own life, Lieutenant Colonel Villamor nevertheless volunteered to lead the first Allied Intelligence Bureau mission to the Philippines."[16]
Major Atienza led a trio of Northrop F-5 fighter aircraft that attacked the Sangley Air Station during the 1989 Philippine coup attempt resulting in the destruction of rebel air assets.[41] However, Atienza failed to pull out during his last bombing run and crashed. Sangley Air Station was later renamed in his honor.[43]
On 26 March 2001, the plane Lt. Baloyo was flying, a North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, experienced engine trouble and rapidly descended into a heavily populated area. Instead of ejecting, she chose to stay on board and diverted the plane before it crashed, thereupon killing herself.
"Surrounded on all sides and with no way to escape, then Sergeant Suson ordered his men to make every shot count by aiming accurately, and to hold their ground at all cost. Sensing his men were momentarily paralyzed because of shock, he went leapfrogging from one foxhole to another to direct their fire. Despite the blood oozing from his wounds, he never lost composure."[16]
"Although outnumbered 8 to 1, the beleaguered troops fought with intense ferocity, while their leader, with his exceptional marksmanship, fatally shot one by one the other terrorists as they crawled towards the patrol base. Although wounded, he accounted for six terrorists including Commander Mortar, the leader of the terrorists whom he shot in the forehead at the time when the subversive terrorist leader was calling on the troopers through a megaphone to surrender."[16]
"... gallantly fought and successfully defended the patrol base with only six military men and nine members of the Civilian Defense Forces against the attack of an overwhelming number of superior enemy..."[16]
General MacArthur was awarded the Philippine Armed Forces Medal of Valor in October 1944 in recognition of his leadership in liberating the Philippines from the Japanese Army.
General Jonathan Wainwright received the Philippine Medal of Valor in a ceremony at the Philippine Embassy by Ambassador Joaquin Elizalde on behalf of President Manuel Roxas of the Philippine Republic.[46]
Discrepancies in the record
The official number of Philippine Medal of Valor recipients is currently given as forty-one (41).[2] However, Mary Grace Baloyo, a Philippine Air Force pilot who died in a crash on 26 March 2001 and is on record as being conferred the medal by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on 3 April 2001, is not included in the summary of recipients.[44][47]
Statistics
Composition of recipients, living and deceased.
Living (41%)
Deceased (59%)
Composition of recipients, officers and enlisted personnel.
^Nepomuceno, Priam. "IRR on privileges for Medal of Valor awardees signed". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 5 December 2020. Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, together with heads of other agencies, formally signed the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 9049 - also known as the "An Act Granting Monthly Gratuity and Privileges to an Awardee of the Medal of Valor (MOV) ", during short ceremonies at DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last July 31.
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