Saying their gallantry and sacrifice should be an example to Filipinos, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has filed a Senate resolution commending the 10 recipients of this year’s The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). 

In Senate Resolution 542 filed by Lacson, the Senate joins the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Rotary Club of Makati in honoring and commending the gallant men and women who risked their life and limb for the country.

“The Philippine Senate proudly joins the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Rotary Club of Makati in honoring and commending the gallant men and women who have risked their life and limb in the defense of our country’s sovereignty through this year’s 2011 search for Outstanding Philippine Soldiers,” Lacson, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1971, said in his resolution.

This year’s awardees include:

1. Col. Daniel A. Lucero
2. Master Sergeant Sixto P. Navarrosa
3. Chief Master Sergeant Billy C. Benebile
4. Colonel Alexander F. Balutan
5. Technical Sergeant Rommel V. Carbon
6. Data Processor 3 Jairus M. Cenabre
7. Colonel Raul L. Del Rosario
8. Master Sergeant Maria Teresa M. Bitong
9. Master Sergeant Nelson S. Mercado
10. Colonel Alexis D. Tamondong

In 2003, the search for T.O.P.S. became a career achievement award that recognizes the contribution of a soldier’s best seven years of his or her service in the military.

The competition has raised the mode of excellence within the military which the other soldiers should emulate, and represents the ideals upheld by the larger sector of the national community.

It also highlights the contribution of the AFP in peace, security and in nation-building and development.

*****