DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, January 29, visited soldiers who were wounded-in-action (WIA) and honored their courage and sacrifice in fulfillment of their duty.
In his visit to the soldiers recovering at Camp Panacan Station Hospital at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario here, President Duterte lauded the soldiers’ bravery and promised financial assistance and support to them as well as their families.
The Chief Executive personally checked the condition of the soldiers who were wounded following encounters with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in battle areas in Mindanao.
Private First Class (PFC) Ryan Millet was wounded in an encounter in Lumiad, Paquibato District last January 15.
Corporal (CPL)Joshua de Jesus, PFC Geraldo Massalang meanwhile sustained wounds following a firefight with NPA members on January 25 in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District.
CPL Julius Delmo and Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Julius Ledesma were likewise hurt in an encounter in Sitio Tadia, Barangay Bantacan, New Bataan last January 20.
CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Oligario Rollorata, CAA Jimmy Gonzaga, and CAA Edgar Delima meanwhile sustained injuries in a firefight in Makilala, Cotabato.
During the visit, President Duterte conferred and personally pinned the medals of the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan on the soldiers in honor of their courage, bravery, and sacrifice in the service of their country.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan is conferred by the President to recognize exemplary service by workers of the government and private individuals who were wounded, injured, or suffered great loss of property for their participation in the advocacy of the President.
The soldiers were given financial assistance, a smartphone, and a gun.
Duterte then vowed to provide for the soldiers’ needs and assured them of their full recovery under government’s care.
He, however, reminded the soldiers to always stay alert and vigilant against threat posed by the communist rebels. (PND)
