Troopers wounded in ASG clashes decorated with WPM

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30): Troopers wounded in ASG clashes decorated with WPM

Five troopers, who were wounded while pursuing Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Sulu, were decorated with Wounded Personnel Medals (WPM) during simple ceremonies at the Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo Friday.

Awarded with the WPM were 2nd Lt. Joelimar Sulit, Technical Sgt. Mario de Guzman Jr., Sgt. Berhamin Jumdana, Pfc. Deborah Paracuelles and Pvt. Michael Andre Atega.

Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Joint Task Force-Sulu commander, personally pinned the WPM to the five troopers.

"This is one way of recognizing the bravery and services of our troops in protecting the people of Sulu," he added.

Soldiers continue to scour suspected ASG lairs in Sulu to rescue the remaining kidnap victims.

Thirteen hostages-- six Indonesians, six Filipinos and one Norwegian have been rescued or released since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered an intensified focused military operations to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining victims .

Five ASG including the notorious Muktadil brothers were killed in the latest operations this week in differrent parts of Sulu.

Several ASG involved in the drug trade were also arrested in Zamboanga City and in Metro Manila by combined AFP-PNP forces.

Former hostages revealed that ASG members were usually high on drugs and were personally seen by them taking shabu.

Reports from line units indicate that drug money is being used by ASG to finance its daily operations in conducting criminal acts, terrorism and anti-Islamic activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=927641