Duterte gives posthumous promotion to soldier killed in action

President Rodrigo Duterte has granted a posthumous promotion to a soldier who was killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan last week.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año confirmed to reporters that the promotion was conferred to Capt. Clinton Capio "on the spot" during the latter's visit to the soldier's wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

"He's (Capio) already promoted to major," he said. 

"Meron kasing ginawa ang Army level na promotion pero it has to be confirmed by the President," he added. 

Año said Capio's promotion was "in recognition of his heroic deeds." 

President Duterte arrives at the wake of Capt. Capio in Libingan ng mga Bayani @gmanews pic.twitter.com/3nO7nWo2tS

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 16, 2017

During his visit, Duterte was seen writing on a piece of paper on top of Capio's coffin. Año said the President was then signing the soldier's promotion papers. 

Capio was the commanding officer of the 1st Special Forces Company that helped the 4th Special Forces Battalion to go after the Abu Sayyaf Group. 

Pres. Duterte is expected to condole with the family of Capt. Clinton Capio who was killed in action during a clash vs Abu Sayyaf pic.twitter.com/T8m1ga0gNm

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 16, 2017

"Naabot naman nila ang objective kaya lang nagkaroon ng bakbakan... Matapang masyado si Major Capio... Na-expose siya sa enemy fire tapos minalas naman. Sa ulo agad ang tama niya," Año said. The soldier was killed by a single bullet to the head during a gunfight with the bandit group last Jan. 12.

Pres. Duterte is talking to Capt. Capio's wife, May @gmanews pic.twitter.com/zwXdXHPUAk

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) January 16, 2017

Año said that the soldier's remains will be brought to Baguio City, his hometown, before he will be given a hero's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

Capio is survived by his wife, May, and their four-year-old daughter Esther. — BAP/KG, GMA News