President Aquino visits, thanks soldiers wounded in clashes with rebels in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 17): President Aquino visits, thanks soldiers wounded in clashes with rebels in Mindanao

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday visited and thanked a number of soldiers who were wounded in recent encounters with rebels in Maguindanao, Sulu and Basilan, for their service to the country.

The President, who was accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., also handed over to the soldiers a monetary assistance from the President’s Social Fund in recognition of their gallantry and bravery.

Those who sustained major injuries received Php100,000 while those with minor injuries were given Php50,000.

President Aquino visited the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City on Monday afternoon to check on a number of wounded soldiers, then proceeded to the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where 11 soldiers have been admitted.

The troopers were injured in separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group in Jolo and Basilan in the all-out offensive launched by the military against lawless elements in Mindanao.

Among those wounded in clashes with the BIFF were Private First Class Rolito Gumapac, 43, and Private First Class Noli Gumisad, 28.

During his visit, the President briefly spoke to each soldier, thanking him for fulfilling his duties and wishing him a speedy recovery.

From the Army hospital, President Aquino proceeded to the Fort Bonifacio Naval Station to visit the wake and recognize the heroism of two marines killed in encounters with BIFF rebels.

The Chief Executive personally extended his condolences to the relatives of slain Marine Corporal Josen Mias, 29, and Sergeant Francis Jeffel Flores, 31, whose remains lie at the naval station’s mortuary.

The President paused at each of the two flag-draped coffins and offered prayers. He also spoke to the relatives of the deceased and handed each family a Php250,000 cheque. The financial assistance also came from the President's Social Fund.

President Aquino left the Bonifacio Naval Station at 9:30 p.m.

On February 25, General Catapang ordered the Western Mindanao Command to conduct all-out offensive operations against the BIFF, among those blamed for the death of 44 members of the police’s elite force who were on a mission to neutralize two terrorist suspects.

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