AFP to honor troops who killed Janjalani

The Philippine military will confer corresponding recognition to Marine troops involved in the September 2006 clash in Patikul, Sulu which lead to the killing of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani. In a press briefing Monday, Armed Forces information chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said a military board is currently deliberating on what medals to confer the officers and men led by 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga. A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 2005, Dimayuga was among the 19 Marine soldiers who engaged over 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits for more than two hours on September 4. Six of his troops died while most of them got wounded in the firefight. "Due recognition will be given to those who have initiated this actions against Janjalani, which eventually led to the neutralization of Janjalani," said Bacarro, referring to Dimayuga and his unit. "It is inherent upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines to give due recognition where recognition is due…that (type of award) would depend to the board, there is a board that would determine the merit of his actions but definitely, one thing is sure – that he would be given due recognition," he added of Dimayuga. Reports said Dimayuga’s platoon was a mere four meters away from the group of Janjalani which at the time, was resting. The slain rebel chieftain was said to be in prayer. Military officials said at least 30 bandits died in that clash while Janjalani was initially reported as wounded, along with Jema’ah Islamiyah bomber Omar Patek based on information from civilians. On Dec. 27, Marine soldiers dug up what they believed to be the remains of Janjalani in a remote village in Patikul. Medal of Valor On Saturday, Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr confirmed the death of Janjalani, citing the results of the DNA test conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. He said the test was "conclusive" and "complete." Bacarro said the military board would even consider conferring the Medal of Valor, the highest combat recognition in the Philippine military, to Dimayuga. "That’s possible, there is a board that will deliberate on it." Bacarro is himself a Medal of Valor awardee. On Saturday, Esperon said the officers and men involved in the operation may be given spot promotion. "We will give spot promotions where it is deserved…where promotions are deserved, it will be given, where awards are deserved, it will be given." With the death of Janjalani, security forces are training their sights on three remaining senior Abu Sayyaf leaders: Radullan Sahiron, Isnilon Hapilon and Dr. Abu Pula. "The instruction of CS (chief of staff) is for our oldiers to step up operations against these high value targets," said Bacarro. Sahiron and Dr. Abu Pula re based in Sulu while Hapilon is based in Basilan. Of the three, Sahiron is the most senior and said to be the most respected rebel personality. "As we have said before, the objective of Oplan Ultimatum is to get the high value targets, meaning to say we are running after these three (Abu Sayyaf leaders) and other sub-commanders of the Abu Sayyaf," Bacarro said. He added that the rebel group would have a hard time in having a leader "with the caliber of Janjalani." - GMANews.TV