Bronze cross awarded to ‘hero’ cadet

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – The Philippine Military Academy Wednesday awarded a bronze cross to Alfonso Aviles, the cadet who slipped into a coma after trying to foil a robbery in Quezon City last August.

PMA superintendent Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta presented the award to Aviles at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) in Manila, where the cadet remains confined.

“We are truly proud of you. PMA is truly proud because you are a sterling example of the character that we represent,” Peralta told Aviles.

The bronze cross is given to military and civilian personnel of the AFP as well as members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations for heroism.

Aviles was wearing a blue hospital gown when he faced reporters for the first time yesterday since Aug. 25.

He had a hard time speaking to reporters because his jaw needs to be restructured through a titanium plate implant due to a fracture.

In a very soft voice, the cadet thanked God and those who prayed for his recovery.

“First of all, I thank God for everything,” Aviles said.

“Thank you to all who prayed for me,” he added.

Aviles’ father, Rodolfo, believes his son will not hesitate to do another act of heroism when necessary.   

“I’m happy because I can see the improvements in my son. At first, I was very sad, I was angry at the one who did this to him,” the elder Aviles said.

Rodolfo is a retired Marine sergeant.

Aviles was also given another PMA bull ring to replace the one that was taken by the robber last August.

He was riding a jeep along Mindanao Avenue, Barangay Lagro in Fairview when an unidentified man pulled out a gun and announced a heist.

He was shot in the head and shoulder after he tried to grab the gun from the suspect.

Capt. Medardo Millares, chief of the AFPMC surgery department, said Aviles has to undergo physical rehabilitation three times a week.

Despite the improvements in his condition, the hero cadet still needs to stay in the hospital “because of the mandibular fracture and the physical rehabilitation he is undergoing,” said Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana, commander of the AFP Medical Center.

He said Aviles’ doctors are still waiting for a bullet on his shoulder to surface but have given assurance that he is “much closer to full recovery.”

Aviles, a member of PMA “PudangKalis (Sacred Sword)” Class of 2013, was shot in the head and shoulder when he grabbed the gun from a robber while he was in a jeepney last Aug. 25.