AFP honors soldier who lost vision in 2016 blast

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said the military organization honored Captain Jerome Jacuba who lost his eyesight from an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion during a combat in Maguindanao in 2016.

In a statement, the AFP said its chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., personally visited Jacuba on Tuesday.

“Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Captain Jacuba is set to be promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to adaptive duties that fully leverage his 15 years of professional service and operational expertise,” the AFP said.

Marcos earlier ordered the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND) to reassess their disability discharge rules after the reported forced retirement of the soldier who lost his vision.

On Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the military organization has initiated a comprehensive review of the complete disability discharge (CDD) policy to strengthen protections for wounded and disabled personnel.

The AFP reaffirmed  its commitment to uphold dignity, provide long-term support, and stand firmly beside those injured in the line of duty. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News