CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 31 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) gave honors to troopers of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade who survived the recent encounter against Moro extremists in Lanao del Sur.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Westmincom said it awarded the Military Merit Medal interim to Distinguished Conduct Star to 1st Lt. Allan Kenny Manuel, and Private First Class Mark John Culaway for "acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action while serving as the platoon leader."

Second Lt. Feljoy Ending was also given the same medal citation.

Manuel and Caluway were ground commanders and lead scouts of the assaulting team during a series of encounters agai...