By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte vowed continued support for soldiers during his recent visit to Sulu, saying he was willing to die with them, Malacañang said on Wednesday.
“Sa panahon na kailangan ninyo ang inyong (At the time you need your) commander-in-chief to be with you, beside you, and to die with you, nandito ako sa mga panahon na ‘yan (I will be there during those times),” Duterte told soldiers in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Sulu on Tuesday (June 4).
Malacañang, in a statement, said Duterte also vowed to shoulder soldiers’ hazard pays for the recent months.
Last year, Duterte approved a pay hike for soldiers, police, and other uniformed personnel, citing their critical role in maintaining national security.
Duterte was in Sulu to visit 11 soldiers wounded during the May 31 encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group at Barangay Pansul, Patikul, Sulu.
During his camp visit, Duterte also conferred to them the Order of Lapu-Lapu with rank of Kampilan.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy, the Palace said.
On the other hand, the Kampilan medal is conferred on persons who were seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in such action.
Recipients of the Order of Lapu-Lapu were Cpl. Arsenio Opaco Jr., Cpl. Sonny Jumoc, Pfc. Edwin Yurong, Pfc. Edeson Alom, Pfc. Abduhasad Baladji, Pcf. Joevertt Ramirez, Pvt. Dominic Osorio, Pvt. Jeric Peñaredondo, Pvt. Raymund Balambao, Pvt. Ramil Diaz Jr., and Pvt. Albert Daligdig.
Two other soldiers, Pfc. Haliboy Calapiz and Pfc. Dieth Sarabe who sustained major injuries, were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.
Duterte awarded the Gold Cross Medal to Lt. Col. Abdulmoel Alamaia, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Amteo, 1st Lt. Romel Pacer, 1st Lt. Geronimo Vergara, Cpl. Ariel Sanchez, Cpl. Engelbert Tañan, and Cpl. Reylan Busmeon.
He also led the donning of ranks to Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo and Brig. Gen. Andres Centino.
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