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Malaysian armed forces chief gets ‘Philippine Legion of Honor’
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday presented the distinguished "Philippine Legion of Honor" award to the chief of the Armed Forces of Malaysia, General Tan Sri Datoâ Sri Abdul bin Haj Zainal. President Arroyo handed the award "with the rank of Grand Officer" (Maringal na Pinuno) to Tan at Malacanangâs Reception Hall while his Philippine counterpart, General Hermogenes Esperon, looked on. Also present during the ceremonies were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The President âcaused to be inscribed in the roster of the Philippine Legion of Honor" the Malaysian generalâs name for having âdistinguished himself in his chosen career." The general was also cited for having âhelped strengthen further the close relations existing between the Philippines and Malaysia, particularly in the promotion of peace, security, and development in Mindanao." Tan thanked Mrs Arroyo for the honor accorded him. Mrs Arroyo said the award was a âsmall gesture of our appreciation for [Malaysiaâs] support for our peace process." Malacanangâs Protocol Office said the Malaysian armed forces chief "immensely contributed to strengthening the capabilities" of the Philippines-Malaysia Army Working Groups through joint camp exercises in Clark Airbase in 2006, and in Kutching, Sarawak in 2007. The Malaysian armed forces chief also âensured Malaysiaâs part in enforcing maritime safety and security through the joint patrols." Tan also played a key role in addressing vital concerns of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team through peace initiatives and socio-economic missions in conflict-afflicted areas in Mindanao. - GMANews.TV
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