Army cites troops for honesty

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010253
• Saturday, September 23, 2017

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army here rendered a snappy salute to two infantrymen for their honesty that brings honor to the organization.

On Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, cited Private PFC Pol William Patarata and militiaman Ronnie Delfin, both of 38th Infantry “We clear” Battalion for honesty, according to Capt. Arvin John Encinas.

Encinas, 6th ID spokesperson, said the two both received certificate of appreciation for returning more than PHP120,000 cash and checks they found on a roadside in Cotabato City last week.

Patarata and Delfin were on board a motorbike traversing Lorenzo Street in Cotabato City when they found the passbook at the roadside. It was owned by couple Roger and Jovie Changco.

The cash amounting to PHP20,000 was inserted in the passbook along with a PHP9,000 worth of check. The passbook has P100,000 cash deposit.

Undecided where to bring the money, the two brought it to the division headquarters and turned them over to their superiors who in turn contacted the owners.

“I am guided by our division commander’s reminders that we soldiers must do good all the time,” Patarata, 24, said.

Delfin, on the other hand, said he was brought up by his parents not to claim what is not his. “Hindi po sa amin ang pera, kailanman di magiging amin ito at nararapat lang na isauli sa tunay na may-ari (The money was not ours, it will never be ours and we know it deserved to be returned to the owners),” he said.

“I awarded them with cash rewards as recognition for their honesty,” Dela Vega said in a TV interview. “Other soldiers should emulate what the two had done,” he added.