Indonesian general helpful to PH gets top award

MANILA, Philippines–The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday awarded the visiting military chief of Indonesia with the Philippine Legion of Honor for his contribution to the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” and for his role in the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang conferred the award with the Degree of Commander on General Moeldoko, the 15th commander in chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, “for exceptionally meritorious outstanding service.”

“We express our deepest gratitude for your generosity and assistance during Yolanda. Thank you for the commitment and sincerity to help the Filipinos in times of need,” Catapang said in a statement.

The Philippine Legion of Honor is awarded to Filipino citizens and foreign nationals for meritorious service in the military or for exceptional performance of their duties. It is the highest award the President can bestow without congressional approval.

At the height of Yolanda, Moeldoko directed three Indonesian Hercules C-130 aircraft to transport relief items from the Indonesian government.

He was also cited for supporting the international monitoring team during the signing of the Bangsamoro comprehensive agreement between the government and the MILF in March 2014.

In response, Moeldoko expressed optimism the cooperation between the AFP and the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, or the Indonesian military, would continue.

Former Indonesian military chief, retired Adm. Agus Suhartono, was given the same award last year for his strong commitment to deepening military cooperation between the two countries.–Julie M. Aurelio