By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday offered special financial assistance to 12 soldiers who sustained injuries following the Philippine Army’s clash against the militant Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) last month.
The 12 soldiers are currently confined at the Army General Hospital (AGH) in Taguig City, Malacañang said in a statement.
Marcos also led the awarding of the Gold Cross Medal, Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device, and Wounded Personnel Medal to four combat-wounded troopers.
The four troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion suffered injuries during the series of firefights against militant group members last Jan. 25 and 26 in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, according to the Philippine Army.
During these military operations, the Army troops neutralized nine DI-MG members, including alleged perpetrators of the Mindanao State University-Marawi bombing.
The President recognized the soldiers’ courage and unwavering dedication to protect the Filipino people and to defend the Philippines against security threats.
He likewise assured them of the government’s continued efforts to provide assistance to battle casualties and promote the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as their families.
Meanwhile, Marcos added that the Office of the President is acting on the request of the AGH and the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City for additional equipment.
President Marcos was accompanied by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, AFP chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr., and Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Roy Galido during his visit. – avds
