Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday awarded outgoing defence attaché of Australia, Col. Paul Barta, at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
In a joint exit and entrance call, Brawner also welcomed new Australian defense attaché, Navy Captain Emma McDonald-Kerr.
Prior to her designation in the Philippines, McDonald-Kerr served as the commander of the Navy Headquarters – South Australia in 2021. She was also the recommissioning commanding officer of HMAS Encounter in 2022.
"This medal is given to Col Paul Barta for his excellent service given to the AFP and the Philippine government on behalf of the Australian Defence Force. We appreciate the splendid job that he did," said Brawner.