By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored the two Philippine Navy (PN) personnel who sustained injuries following a confrontation with the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Monday.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), President Marcos Jr. personally visited the injured servicemen who are currently recuperating at Camp Ricarte Station Hospital in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
In recognition of their bravery and firm adherence to their sworn duty as soldiers, the President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu and handed each of them P100,000 in financial assistance.
He also assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of the government’s continued support for the military, who continue to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.
The President’s visit to the wounded men came after his 80-minute-long meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan in Malacañang on Tuesday.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos Jr. summoned the Chinese envoy to express the Philippines’ concern over the Ayungin incident.
“Nag-usap sila at ang nais na mangyari dito ng Pangulo ay hindi na maulit ang mga pangyayari at ma-reset sana ang relasyon ng China at ng Pilipinas sa mas magandang pakikipag-ugnayan,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the President has conveyed the “collective anger” of the Filipino people over the recent encounter in Ayungin Shoal when he summoned Ambassador Jing.
“He stood for our rights under the Constitution, the welfare of our country in various activities that we have been threatened [with], and he stated in no uncertain terms the anger of the Filipino people over that unjustifiable incident,” Sec. Teodoro said. (with report from Patrick de Jesus / PTV News)
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