Duterte visits soldiers wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday visited the injured soldiers in a recent firefight with the militant Abu Sayyaf group.

During his visit to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Sulu, Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kampilan on 11 soldiers wounded during the May 31 encounter with the Abu Sayyaf forces at Barangay Pansul in Patikul, Sulu.

The 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.

Pfc. Haliboy Calapiz and Pfc. Dieth Sarabe, who sustained major injuries, were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

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 Kampilan medal is conferred on persons who were seriously wounded or have suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in such action.

The President also 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.

Duterte also led the donning of ranks to Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo and Brig. Gen. Andres Centino.

In his speech, Duterte said his camp visits are intended to recognize the bravery of soldiers and boost their morale by ensuring his continued support.

"Sa panahon na kailangan ninyo ang inyong commander-in-chief to be with you, beside you, and to die with you, nandito ako sa mga panahon na 'yan,” the President said.

He also vowed payment of soldiers’ hazard pays for the recent months. —LDF, GMA News