NAGA CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte led the awarding of medals to members of the police and army killed or wounded in the line of duty in various incidents in the Bicol region.
In a small gathering here Tuesday afternoon, the President bestowed the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Kalasag Medal to PO1 Ralph Jason D. Vida, one of the casualties in the recent rebel ambush at Barangay Napolidan, Lupi, Camarines Sur, during the latter’s wake at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office.
The Kalasag Medal is given to those who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
The same medal was awarded to SPO1 Percival S. Rafael, who was represented by his wife Grace Rafael; and to PO3 Carlito S. Navarroza, represented by his wife Jaicil Navarroza.
Following this, Duterte awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Kampilan Medal to Cpl. Christopher A. Bactad; Cpl. Joven M. Llorera; Pvt. Johnrex Ferpas; and Pvt. Jesse B. Pausal, who were wounded in action in an NPA encounter in Labo, Camarines Norte on October 14, 2018:.
The Kampilan Medal is given to those who were seriously wounded or injured, or have suffered great loss of property in carrying out contributions to the President’s advocacies.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Kalasag Medal was also awarded to Pvt. Ruben Bersabe who was killed in an encounter in Labo, Camarines Norte on Oct. 14. The same was received by his mother, Avelina.
CAA Teodoro C. Adoptante, who was slain in Lupi, Camarines Norte on Oct. 16 was likewise given the same Order. The medal was received by Mr. Arnel C. Adoptante, his brother.
Duterte also condoled with the relatives of the slain cops and soldiers.
Apart from the medals, the families received financial assistance from the government, according to former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, who accompanied Duterte.
Also present at the event was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade Puno, who was the person being escorted when the ambush occurred in Lupi, Camarines Sur last week.
Puno told the media that she was extremely saddened by the incident, and hoped the families would obtain justice. (Melissa Basmayor/PNA)
