LTC Ruben Buyucan Guinolbay, an Igorot from Ifugao, is one of the most decorated Scout Ranger in the country today. Aside from being a Hero of Lamitan and a Medal of Valor nominee, he was recently honored with both the "Command Plaque" and the "Gold Cross Medal Award" for his outstanding leadership and phenomenal service and support he showed to the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Sulu Province.
LTC Guinolbay, Battalion Commander of the 45th Infantry "Gallant" Battalion (45IB-Gallant), was honored with the "Command Plaque" and "Gold Cross Medal Award" at the 2nd Founding Anniversary of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT), Philippine Army at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, December of this year.
The 1st Brigade Combat Team is the current main primary combined arms and rapid deployment unit of the Philippine Army. It was developed from a new concept that was among the lessons learned from the Battle of Marawi against the terrorist forces in an urban environment. It will also be the main unit for territorial defense.
The two awards were presented under the leadership of LTGEN CIRILITO SOBEJANA PA, Commanding General of the Philippine Army.
In addition, during the 2nd Founding Anniversary of the 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division led by GEN GILBERT GAPAY AFP, as the guest of honor and MGEN WILLIAM N GONZALES PA, Commander of the 11ID-Alakdan, two (2) Gallant Troopers were awarded the "Gold Cross Medal Award" in the battle that took place on April 22, 2020, accepted by 1LT WELLEN B AREVALO (INF) PA, Commanding Officer of Charlie "Cobra" Company and SGT JULIE C MONTEBON (INF) PA of the Scout Platoon, as its chosen awardees Thursday (December 10) in Brgy Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
LTC Ruben Guinolbay, Command Plaque and Gold Cross Medal awardee
The Command Plaque Award bestowed to LTC GUINOLBAY is due to his exceptional and unparalleled service and support shown to the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sulu Province.
Meanwhile, the "Gold Cross Award" he received came from an encounter that took place in Brgy Latih, Patikul, Sulu on April 22, 2020, against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, which resulted in the death of ten (10) bandits and injured its many members.
Sulu clash led by Ifugao LTC Ruben Guinolbay
With the bravery of the 45th Infantry Battalion led by LTC Ruben Guinolbay from Ifugao province. Troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu captured Abu Sayyaf terrorists at an encounter in Latih, Patikul, Sulu at 6 a.m. on April 22, 2020.
Troops of the 45th Infantry Battalion led by the Igorot Scout Ranger immediately approached the bandits so they were immediately reduced. The bandits ran as the bullets hit them one by one in the gunfight that lasted for half an hour.
Troops hunted them in the running gun battle until the bandits were divided in fear when more were hit in their ranks.
The soldiers found ten of the slain bandits and reclaimed the personal belongings they had taken from about 11 soldiers killed previously.
Salute to you sir LTC Ruben Guinolbay and our brave men and women of the 45th Infantry "Gallant" Battalion! God Bless you all!
Ruben Buyucan Guinolbay: Igorot from Ifugao; Hero of Lamitan; Medal of Valor Nominee
