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WestMinCom chief visits, confers medals to injured troops in Jolo blasts

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. visited on Tuesday afternoon the soldiers wounded during the Jolo, Sulu twin explosions on Monday.

According to the WestMinCom on Wednesday, Vinluan checked the condition of the soldiers at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Calarian, Zamboanga City.

He conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal to Sergeant Norman Santiago, Corporal Jesus Genora, Corporal Jeric Gil Villaruz, Private First Class Jay Carbon, Private First Class Jeffry Domingo, and Private Rocelo Abacial Jr., who are among the over 20 troops injured in the incident.

He also condoled with the bereaved families of the troops slain in the deadly blasts.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Western Mindanao Command, I would like to extend my deep sympathies to the bereaved families of the victims who succumbed to death due to the mindless acts of terrorism,” Vinluan said.

“Let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of the souls of those who were killed and for the speedy recovery of those who are recuperating in the hospitals,” he added.

At least 15 individuals, including soldiers, a cop and civilians, were killed in the explosions in Barangay Walled City. More than 70 others were wounded in the blasts triggered by two suicide bombers.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana earlier suggested that martial law should be implemented in the province of Sulu following the incident. His recommendation was supported by the Philippine National Police. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News