PH military honors soldiers wounded in Basilan clash

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday honored the soldiers wounded in a clash in Basilan.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. presented the Wounded Personnel Medal to the soldiers for their "courage and heroism" during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command.

Brawner paid tribute to the soldiers' dedication and service and assured them and their families of access to medical care and assistance to aid their recovery. 

“Our soldiers are the backbone of our national defense, and the bravery demonstrated by these personnel exemplifies the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice,” Brawner said.

“The AFP stands firmly behind them, and we will ensure they are provided with the necessary resources for a full recovery," he added.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the encounter took place on Wednesday while troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel involved in a peace and development project in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan.

Two soldiers were killed and 12 others were wounded in the encounter with two armed groups. One of the two groups is allegedly linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Following the recognition, Brawner also visited the headquarters of the 101st Infantry Brigade accompanied by Wesmincom Commander Lt. General Antonio Nafarrete and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. General Leonardo Peña.

Brawner said the AFP remains committed to advancing the normalization program in the region to "address the root causes of conflict while ensuring that all actions remain within the bounds of law and peace mechanisms."—LDF, GMA Integrated News