ON watch A police officer patrols the ASEAN 2026 International Media Center in Cebu as the Philippines prepares to receive delegates, media and regional leaders for the summit.
Photograph by Yummie Dingding for DAILY TRIBUNE
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Tuesday that it has honored Filipino peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan and formally sent off the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) during a ceremony held on 4 May 2026.
The recognition and send-off ceremony was presided over by General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., AFP chief of staff, during the regular flag-raising rites at the General Headquarters Canopy Area in Camp Aguinaldo.
Major Mark A. Mabanglo of the Philippine Air Force was awarded the Meritorious Achievement Medal for his courage and presence of mind during the attack and burning of the UN Field Station in Skardu on 1 March 2026.
Meanwhile, the CSAFP Commendation Medal and Ribbon were conferred on Lieutenant Colonel Edgar G. Bangod, PAF, and Major Jaryl A. Villanueva, PA, for their exemplary service during the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of AFP officers who will be deployed as part of the AOT in Cambodia and Thailand, led by Major General Oliver C. Maquiling.
