Medal of Valor recipient leads list of promoted Army generals

A 1995 Medal of Valor awardee led the roster of six Army generals promoted this week.

In a ceremony led by Army chief Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto on Monday, promoted to Major General were Medal of Valor recipient Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana and Brigadier General Roy Devesa, commanders of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Training and Doctrine Command, respectively.

Sobejano, of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, has long led the government troops' battle against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group.

He earned his Medal of Valor in 1995 for fending off Abu Sayyaf forces in Sulu as a commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, all while enduring the pain in his right arm that was hit by two bullets.

Also promoted to Brigadier General were Colonel Thomas Sedano, commander, 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division; Colonel William Gonzales, commander, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operation Command; Colonel Larry Mojica, commander, 902nd (Fight ‘Em) Brigade, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division; and Colonel Francisco Ariel Felicidario, commander, 102nd Infantry (Igsoon) Brigade, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division.

Alberto reminded the newly promoted officers that such recognition due to their integrity, resourcefulness, enthusiasm and wisdom also entails responsibility.

“As you start another chapter in your military careers and savor the honor and pride that comes from your star, you should remember that from that star, exudes greater responsibility and higher level of expectations and standards of leadership,” Alberto said.

“It will also demand greater sacrifice from us and even from our families. It is the Army’s desire and conviction to place brilliant leaders in key position to ensure that it will always be on track in support of the national government thrust in building a peaceful and stronger nation,” he added. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News