Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 310)
The "Kagitingan sa Barangay" is an individual decoration created by Presidential Decree No. 310 to be awarded to members and/or units of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces (ICHDF) and other civilian officials who have distinguished themselves in the restoration of peace and order in the Philippines.
Members of the ICHDF and other civilian officials who have rendered conspicuous service in the campaign against insurgents, subversives, and other lawless elements are eligible to receive the individual decoration "Kagitingan sa Barangay" or the "Barangay Presidential Unit Citation Badge".
The three categories are: (a) Lakan, awarded by the President to those showing gallantry and intrepidity in actual conflict; (b) Datu, awarded by the Secretary of National Defense for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of armed enemy; (c) Maginoo, awarded by the Chief of Staff, AFP for gallantry in action not warranting the other awards or single acts of merit or distinguished service.
The President of the Philippines has the authority to award the Lakan category.
It is awarded by the Secretary of National Defense to those who perform acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry facing an armed enemy, involving extraordinary risk of life that sets them apart from others.
The Maginoo category is awarded by the Chief of Staff, AFP for gallantry in action not qualifying for Lakan or Datu, or for single acts of merit or meritorious service performed with distinction by civilian officials in their duties or in support of military operations.
It is a unit citation awarded to any ICHDF unit that has rendered exceptionally outstanding service and distinguished itself in combat during the peace and order campaign, based on a recommendation from the Chief of Staff, AFP through the Secretary of National Defense.
Yes, it can be awarded posthumously. The award shall be received by the legal heirs of the deceased; if there are no legal heirs, then by the nearest kin, or another person designated by competent authorities.
The Secretary of National Defense is responsible for prescribing the rules and regulations including the design, specifications, manner of wearing, and other pertinent details.
The purpose was to recognize and honor the valuable services of the ICHDF members and other civilian officials who have distinguished themselves in the campaign to suppress lawless elements and in restoring peace and order throughout the Philippines.