PRESTIGIOUS AWARD. Philippine Army Maj. Floren P. Herrera (right) accepts the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms during a ceremony at the Cadet Mess Hall of West Point, New York on Oct. 10, 2024. For the first time in its 19-year history, the Alexander R. Nininger Award was presented to a US Military Academy international graduate. (Photo courtesy of Christopher Hennen/USMA PAO/VI)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said it is proud of the "exceptional achievements" of Maj. Floren P. Herrera, a Marawi Siege veteran, for winning the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms on Oct. 10.
"The whole Army stands proud of his exceptional achievements and bravery, which are worthy of emulation. He is an inspiration not only to the PA but to all Filipinos," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.
Herrera, an international graduate of the US Military Academy Class of 2013, was presented with the award by the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) at the Cadet Mess Hall of West Point, New York, in recognition of his bravery during the five-month Marawi siege from May 23 to Oct. 23 in 2017.
"His outstanding accomplishment embodies the true spirit and courage of a Filipino warrior who can stand against all odds to protect our people and defend our nation," Dema-ala said.
Herrera is the first Filipino graduate of the military academy to receive this prestigious award.
In a statement, the WPAOG said Herrera, a first lieutenant at the time of the Marawi Siege, "displayed remarkable bravery from June 12 to Oct. 16, 2017 as the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, Philippine Army and leadership during the Battle of Marawi against 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State.”
It said Herrera “daringly maneuvered his platoon around a 50-meter open area and tactically seized a building, paving the way for a successful ambush against unsuspecting enemy forces.”
His actions resulted in a significant number of enemy casualties and saved the lives of troops who were in the enemy’s kill zone, the WPAOG added.
Furthermore, it said, during the clearing of several buildings occupied by enemy snipers, Herrera displayed exceptional bravery and tactical expertise by maneuvering his platoon through unexpected avenues of approach and catching the enemy by surprise.
“Herrera was also instrumental in the neutralization of two key terrorist leaders when he spearheaded the assault in the buildings adjacent to their occupied structure,” the WPAOG said.
All these achievements, it said, are a testament to Herrera’s courage, tactical expertise, and dedication to the safety of his troops. (PNA)
