RIMBA, Wednesday 26 Sept - Six Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel from the third (3rd) group of the International Monitoring Mission (IMT) arrived safely home from the Republic of Philippines today on board the Royal Brunei Air Force's CN235 aircraft that landed at the Hangar 'B' Rimba Air Base at about 1550 pm. A welcoming ceremony for this contingent was held in the presence of RBAF Commander, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof as the Chief Guest.

The 3rd RBAF IMT contingent whom commenced their 12- month tour of duty in Cotabato Mindanao since last year September 2006 comprises of the following personnel: 357 Major Pg Zamni bin Pg Tajuddin, 497 Major Muhammad Wata bin Abdullah Awat, 622 Captain Alirudimi bin Hj Perudin, 639 Captain Arsahrin bin Hj Ariff, 7264 Warrant Officer (U) Hj Adis bin Hj Mentarais and 9162 Sergeant Sa'at bin Hj Sabli.

The accomplishment made by the 3rd RBAF IMT contingent were recognised with honorary awards given by the Government of the Republic of Philippines symbolizing their participation and achievement during the monitoring mission in the Mindanao Islands as well as an honour from the Philippines Armed Forces and the country in general. The awards given were 'The Gawad Sa Kaunlaran Medal, Military Civic Action Medal and Honorary Basic Parachutist Badge.

The Gawad Sa Kaunlaran Medal is an award to recognize the conspicuously meritorious service and valuable achievement in the pursuit of socio-economic and non-combat activities and for the exceptional service which contributed immensely in accomplishing the peaceful objectives of the Philippines Armed Forces. The Military Civic Action Medal is an award to recognize meritorious achievement in the field of civic action in duty responsibility or in direct support of military operations. Whereas the Honorary Philippines Armed Forces Basic Parachutist Badge is a military badge awarded with a recognized certificate to the soldiers who had received proper basic airborne course, parachute training and accomplished the required number of jumps prescribed by the Philippines Armed Forces during the monitoring mission in the Mindanao Islands.

Among other guests present at the ceremony were Her Excellency the Ambassador of Republic of the Philippines, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Service Commanders and Commandants, Directors, officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF as well as families and relatives of the contingents.