PMA cadet shot in jeepney heist honored

The military has conferred a Bronze Cross medal to the Philippine Military Academy cadet who was seriously injured when he tried to prevent a robbery inside a passenger jeepney two months ago in Quezon City.   First Class Cadet Alfonso Aviles has been confined at the AFP Medical Center since August after he was shot in the face during a scuffle with the robber, whose gun he tried to grab. He was comatose for several weeks after the incident and is now starting to recuperate.   On Wednesday, Aviles was conferred the medal “for acts of heroism and distinguished public service involving risk of life.”   “Despite great threat in the presence of a robber, armed with a caliber 45 pistol, Cadet Aviles demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery by attempting to disarm the robber, disregarding his personal safety for that of others,” Aviles’ citation read.   Aviles was in Manila last August as he was among the PMA cadets who were tasked to serve as proctors in the PMA entrance examination. The robbery incident happened on Aug. 25 while Aviles, taking advantage of a “free time” privilege given to them, was visiting his parents in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.   The citation said that while it was unfortunate that Aviles was injured in the scuffle with the robber, “his heroic act discouraged the robber from continuing the crime, consequently escaping and leaving the other passengers unscathed.”   “By his valiant display of courage and bravery, Cdt. Aviles brought pride and honor not only to the Philippine military academy but also for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as a whole,” it also read.   The medal was awarded by PMA superintendent Maj. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta in simple rites held at Aviles’ room at the AFP Medical Center.   Capt. Medardo Joseph Millares, of the hospital’s department of surgery, said Aviles is currently undergoing physical conditioning. He said Aviles can now stand up and talk.   “As of now, he is gaining strength…We are hopeful that he will recover most of his strength,” Millares said.   Aside from paralysis on the left side of his body, Aviles also suffered post-traumatic amnesia, which Millares said is only temporary and usual.   “What is important is that his long term memory is intact, as well as his short term memory,” he said.   In a brief message to the media, Aviles said in a stuttering voice: “First of all, I thank God for everything…Thank you to all those who prayed for me.”    During the ceremony, Peralta, accompanied by AFP Medical Center chief Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana, presented to Aviles a replacement for his PMA bullring which was stolen by the robber.   Peralta said Aviles may not be able to join his classmates in PMA Pudangkalis (Puso't Dangal ng Kawal ng Lahing Nagkakaisa) class of 2013 in their graduation in March next year.  But once he is fully recovered, Aviles may join the next batch, which is the PMA class Siglabdiwa(Sundalong Ipaglalaban ang Kalayaan ng Bayan sa Diwang Wagas) class of 2014, whose members were present during the awarding ceremony. — KBK, GMA News