Gold Cross Medal for Army man who foiled robbery try

MANILA, Philippines - An Army corporal who helped foil a robbery attempt at a passenger bus in Misamis Oriental last week was awarded a Gold Cross Medal Monday. Aside from the medal, Cpl. Franklin Casio of the 55th Infantry Battalion was also promoted to the next higher rank of sergeant. Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado gave the medal and announced Casio’s promotion during the flag-raising ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. “Corporal Casio manifested true and genuine spirit of the army soldier being a real protector of the people and a source of national pride. He gave us the initial glory for this year,” Ibrado said. The Gold Cross Medal is the third highest combat medal in the military after Medal of Valor and Distinguished Conduct Star. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr said this is the fifth time Casio was awarded a Gold Cross Medal. Casio, along with fire Superintendent Alejandro Cagampang, were aboard an RTMI bus last Dec. 30 when three men announced a heist at a highway in Medina town in Misamis Oriental. The two fought it out with the robbers who died on the spot. - GMANews.TV