MANILA, Philippines ? In recognition of world boxing champion Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao?s legendary courage and determination shown in the boxing arena, he will be pinned the ?Honorary Special Forces Warrior Badge? during the 49th founding anniversary of the elite Army unit, a military official said Saturday.
Col. Antonio G. Parlade Jr., the Army spokesman, said the pinning of the distinctive Special Forces (SF) badge on the Saranggani congressman will be held on June 27 at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, home of the Special Forces Regiment.
?Congressman Pacquiao would receive the badge and a command plaque during the occasion of our anniversary to be held in Fort Magsaysay. He will also be wearing the exclusive Special Forces uniform which is popularly known as the ?Tiger Suit?,? said Parlade, who also belongs to the roster of the elite Special Forces officers in the Philippine Army.
According to Parlade, the exemplary traits of Pacquiao as a warrior in the boxing ring are worthy of emulation by every Army soldier.
?In our military service, we are required to possess the same attributes as we face the various challenges in our different assignments, especially in the harshest conditions of the battlefield. If you have courage and determination, you can spell the difference in your endeavors,? he added.
The Special Forces badge is earned by a soldier who hurdles a rigorous training which could take at least six months. In rare circumstances, the badge is also granted to senior military officials and deserving personnel who are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in their field.
Parlade said Pacquiao has successfully defended his WBO welterweight title in a lopsided 12-round decision over Sugar Shane Mosley.
