Duterte grants P2M reward to Marines behind killing of Abu Sayyaf leader in Tawi-Tawi

President Rodrigo Duterte granted a P2-million reward to the marine troops behind the rescue of Indonesian kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi and killing of an Abu Sayyaf leader.

In a statement on Monday, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Cirilito Sobejana handed over the reward during a ceremony at the 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters in Bongao on Sunday.

Sobejana awarded the Distinguished Navy Cross to Colonel Nestor Narag Jr. for his accomplishment as the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Tawi-Tawi during the rescue operations for four Indonesian kidnap victims in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on March 21.

The military said Narag planned the operation that resulted in the death

The Silver Cross Medal was also awarded to the Special Intelligence Team under the 2nd Marine Brigade who provided intelligence information for the operation.

“We have to make ourselves happy all the time so that we become more productive. I always translate happiness into productivity regardless of where we are,” Sobejana said during the activity.

“To the commanders, let us always strike a good balance on mission accomplishment and the morale and welfare of our soldiers,” he added.

Also present in the ceremony were WestMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, and other military officers. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News