Duterte visits wounded soldiers, extends aid

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A total of 12 battle casualties (BatCas) of the Joint Task Force Sulu were accorded the Order of Lapu-lapu level of Kampilan Medal by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit in Zamboanga City and Sulu Friday. Said soldiers were recognized by the President after sustaining injuries in the armed engagements during the intensified conduct of military operations launched by the Joint Task Force Sulu to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Private First Class Richard Aquino and Staff Sergeant Krismar Natividad of the 45th Infantry Battalion Private Eugene Gonzales, Corporal Jollybert Bartolome, Sergeant Yahcob Sarian of 32nd Infantry Battalion were acknowledged yesterday evening at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City while Corporal Bernardo Ortiz, Private Brix Cojo, and Private First Class John Jusay, all from the 32nd Infantry Battalion Private First Class Reynard Baynos from the MBLT-3 Corporal Dixon Aplahal, Corporal Binjakar Ajak and Corporal Larkin Lumacad were conferred at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, Jolo, Sulu at 5 this afternoon.The awardees also received a pistol, a cellphone and cash incentives from the President.

With the overwhelming support of our Commander-In-Chief, we become more motivated to do our job with utmost enthusiasm, said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

President Duterte was accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander, Western Mindanao Command Department of Interior and Local Government Officer-In-Charge General Eduardo Año Major General Roseller G Murillo, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division and other officers.Earlier this afternoon, the President also turned over to the Provincial Government of Sulu relief goods for the fire victims in two barangays of Jolo, Sulu.In his message to the Joloanons, the President assured the people that he will find means to help the victims start a new life and be able to build new houses. He also promised to provide cash money of P15,000 to every family by first week of August.