Duterte honors soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday honored eight soldiers who were killed while fighting members of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu.

The families of the slain soldiers received the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag in a ceremony held in Malacañang.

Among those who received the Order of Lapu-Lapu were Technical Sergeant Alberto Garde, Staff Sergeant Jayson Sawit, Staff Sergeant Aldam Baginda, Staff Sergeant Kasir Riban, Corporal Nelson Vidal and Private First Class Jake Ameglio. They were killed in a firefight with the Abu Sayyaf in Sumisip, Basilan on November 8, 2017.

Private First Class Emie Pumicpic and Private First Class Benhar Ahajul were also conferred the award. Both died while fighting the bandit group in Sulu on August 7, 2016.

President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the relatives of soldiers killed in action after posthumously awarding the deceased the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag during a ceremony in Malacañang on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. King Rodriguez/PPD

During the ceremony, the President spoke with the families of the slain soldiers and assured to support their housing needs as well as for the education of their children.

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 Kalasag medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News