28 July 2016 - The Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs feted three (3) newly-returned and newly-retired Ambassadors who served in the Middle East and Africa at a simple reception held at the OMEAA office recently. In her remarks, OMEAA Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn M. Quintana praised the top diplomats for their contributions and sacrifices in “fearlessly and successfully upholding the national interest in the challenging regions of the world.” Assistant Secretary Quintana also recognized their important achievements in deepening and expanding Philippine relations with their host countries. 

Those who were honored were former Heads of Posts, namely Ambassador Ezzedin Tago (Saudi Arabia), Ambassador Leah Basinang-Ruiz (Lebanon), and Ambassador Bayani Mangibin (Kenya).  Also in attendance were other newly-returned officials who also served in the Middle East: former Consul General Leo Tito Ausan (Jeddah), former Vice Consul and Third Secretary Andrei Bauzon (Iraq), former Vice Consul and Third Secretary Dennis John Briones (Syria and Lebanon), former Vice Consul and Third Secretary Gabriel Bautista (Lebanon), former Attache Edwin Batallones (Lebanon), Charge D’Affaires Jose Cabrera (Nigeria), and the OMEAA officers and staff. END