The Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) on Tuesday honored S/Sgt. Butch Maestro, one of the soldiers who perished in the C-130 crash in Patikul, Sulu last July 4.
Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 402Bde commander who represented President Rodrigo R. Duterte, conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the late soldier in a ceremony conducted in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
The award was received by the late soldier’s father, retired 2Lt. Victor Maestro Sr., together with his mother Celestina and wife Razel.
“I personally know S/Sgt. Maestro. He was one of my soldiers when I was then the commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion from 2009 to 2011. He was assigned at the Bravo Company,” Licudine said in his message before the conferment.
He recognized the late soldier’s dedication to his service to the country, describing him as kind, obedient and brave.
He added that the incident last July 4 was very touching and sad as the country’s heroes, including Maestro, perished during the incident.
“As soldiers, we follow orders. We never complain. When S/Sgt. Maestro was tasked and assigned to Sulu, he followed the order because he is a soldier. A professional soldier,” Licudine said.
He added that the award from the President is appropriate and right for Maestro’s service to the Filipino people.
“Our President, Rodrigo R. Duterte always strives for the good of our nation. We, your soldiers, are instruments for the implementation of his plans and programs for the people,” he said.
Aside from the award, the family of the late soldier also received cash assistance from Duterte and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.
The cash assistance was handed over to the family by Ruel Casiño of the Presidential Management Staff.
The Maestro family thanked the 402Bde for recognizing the contributions of the late soldier to the country.
Source: Philippines News Agency
