10 soldiers honored

Manila Bulletin, Friday, March 5, 2010

By: Ginalyn Kabiling

Ten soldiers who excelled in
the combat operations and civic
duties were given a tribute~y
President Arroyo in Malacanang.
Included in the prestigious
list of outstanding soldiers Was
Army Col. Melquiades Feliciano, -battalion commander
of the 71st Infantry Battalion in Nueva Ecija, who was
reportedly implicated in the
disappearance of activist Jonas
Burgos last year.
The President hailed the
awardees of The Outstanding
Philippine Soldiers (TOPS),
coming from the Philippine
Army, Navy, Air Force, and
Technical Service, for their gallantry
and heroism.
Mrs. Arroyo said the annual
TOPS program, initiated by
Metrobank Foundation and Rotary
Club of Makati City, "serves
as avenue to showcase the Filipino soldier's courage, sacrifice,
integrity, duty and service to
the country."
Apart from Feliciano, the
other outstanding soldiers are
Master Sgt. Ruben Lucero,
MasterSgt. Hercules Regis of the
Philippine Army;
Col. Nathaniel Casem, Technical Sgt. Marcelo
Batingan, Sgt. Vicente Sustivierio Jr. of the Philippine Navy,
Col. Arnold Mancita, Master Sgt. Leonilo Pedrosa,
TechnicalSgt. Rogelio Alarcon Jr. of the
Philippine Air Force and
Major Vicente Magaro of the
DentalService.