THE Manila Times and The Manila Times TV, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), successfully held the 2nd Tribute to Soldiers Monday night, coinciding with the commemoration of National Heroes Day.

The 2nd Tribute to Soldiers held at the Manila Hotel again honored Filipino soldiers who have displayed exemplary service in the past year and whose achievements had a significant impact on the military establishment as well as on the community where they were deployed.

There were three winners in each of the three categories: Innovations in Administrative and Logistics Functions, Outstanding Community Service, and Contribution in the Combat Zone.

Two special awards were given out during the event: Achievement in Education and Best Unit.

For demonstrating exceptional bravery despite being wounded during an engagement with the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group in Lanao del Sur on Jan. 25, 2024, Staff Sgt. Johnny Batucan Jr. was given the award for Outstanding Contribution in the Combat Zone for the Philippine Army.

For the Philippine Navy, the same award was given to Boatswain's Mate 1st Class/Petty Officer 1st Class Salde Algarin for his outstanding service for several years on board the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

For the Philippine Air Force, Master Sgt. Sukarno Kannauh was given the Outstanding Contribution in the Combat Zone award for making his mark in ensuring the success of the Air Force operations in Mindanao.

The award for Innovations in Administrative and Logistics Functions in the Philippine Air Force was given to Technical Sgt. Marlon Torre who was the head of the avionics team in fabricating batteries for the ScanEagle UAV Elite.

For the Philippine Army, the same award was given to Sgt. Robert Murillo for greatly enhancing the service and maintenance of the Army's 105 mm and 155 mm Howitzers, significantly improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

For the Philippine Navy, the Innovations in Administrative and Logistics Functions award went to Technical Sgt. Arman Flores for his contribution to the design, project planning and construction of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi's Centralized Operations Center.

In the Outstanding Community Service for the Philippine Army, Sgt. Jerwen Pairat received the award for his work in the indigenous peoples communities in Bukidnon.

The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA The Manila Times, led by Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd and President and COO Blanca Mercado, pays tribute to modern heroes, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during the awarding ceremony of the Tribute to Soldiers at the Manila Hotel, on Aug. 26, 2024. Key speakers include the AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

For the Philippine Navy Technical Sgt. Danilo Bañez of the Philippine Marine Corps was recognized for his service in community outreach and engagement in Cagayan.

For the Philippine Air Force, the Outstanding Community Service award was given to Master Sgt. Darwin Esguerra for his leadership and personal skill.

In the Special Category of Achievement in Education, Underwater Operationsman 2nd Class Anthony Turallo of the Philippine Navy was recognized.

For the Special Category of Best Unit, the award went to the Naval Forces West of the Philippine Navy, which is headquartered at the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The unit was given recognition for its effort to critically defend the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan Group of Islands.