AFP honors wounded soldiers in Abu Sayyaf attack

Published November 18, 2014 3:34pm

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday awarded 28 soldiers who were wounded following a clash with suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits late last week in Talipao, Sulu.

The clash left five soldiers and nine bandits dead, including Abu Sayyaf subcommander Hairullah Asbang. A military spokesperson said that the troops were on reconnaissance mission in the area at the time of the clash.

At a ceremony in Zamboanga City, military chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. awarded the Gold Cross and Wounded Personnel Medals to the soldiers.

Recipients of the Gold Cross Medals include:

First Lieutenant Michael B. Asistores;
Sergeant Eddie P. Lumandap; and
Private First Class Ariel E. Cajes.

Meanwhile, awardees of the Wounded Personal Medal include:

Staff Sergeant Johnifer J. Tumala;
Private First Class Carlito A. Sistoza;
Private First Class Richard C. Rendon;
Private First Class Reagan J. Apostol;
Private First Class Jerimane E. Corpuz;
Private First Class Emidio D. Bitin III;
Private First Class Alexander S. Nael;
Corporal Ray B. Tampil;
Private First Class Romarico T. Talledo, Jr.;
Private First Class Rogelio A. Domingo;
Private First Class Richie H. De Pedro;
Private First Class Rogie L. Valdez;
Private First Class Belger M. Ramirez;
Sergeant Elmer L. Lazaga;
Private First Class Eduardo U. Gomez;
Private First Class Mark Laurence A. Manggad;
Private First Class Orlando B. Ballesteros, Jr.;
Corporal Dennis S. Azerador;
Private First Class Jerico T. Diza;
Private First Class Jeffry B. Baquial;
Sergeant Delio B. Surio;
Corporal Jevsie H. Galulu; and
Private First Class Lloyd F. Saranglao

All 23 Wounded Personal Medal recipients are presently confined at Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) in Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Also awarded with the Wounded Personnel Medal were Sergeant Castro P. Kitong and Corporal Joey DC De Guzman, who are presently confined at a private hospital in Zamboanga City.

The Palace has ordered operations against the Abu Sayyaf stepped up since six soldiers securing a road project in Basilan province were ambushed and killed by the bandit group earlier this month. — Patricia Denise Chiu/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: abusayyaf