ZAMBOANGA CITY--The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has awarded medals to 24 soldiers, including a junior officer, for gallantry in action against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu.
Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., AFP chief-of-staff, visited the troops on Sunday and led the awarding of the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to the 24 injured soldiers, who were admitted at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Jolo, Sulu and Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
“Our soldiers really fought and have sacrificed their own lives just to attain peace in Jolo,” Galvez said.
“Up-close and intensive firefight within one and half hour of serious encounter, we see a higher probability of having bigger number of casualties,” he added.
The troops under the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting intensified military operation when they clashed with 50 ASG bandits around 4:10 p.m. Friday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.
Another fighting erupted around 5:20 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Latih, also in the municipality of Patikul.
Galvez said the ongoing military operations aim to rescue the remaining six hostages, including two foreigners, from the hands of the ASG bandits before yearend.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said reports gathered from the community showed that some 10 ASG bandits were killed in the two separate clashes.
Five soldiers were killed while 24 others, including a junior officer, were wounded on the government side.
“We are gaining headway, but Sulu, has been a bigger challenge for us that we have to solve,” Galvez disclosed.
Those awarded with WPM by Galvez are the following: 2nd Lieutenant Michael Vincent Benito; PFC Harvie Soriano; PFC John Paul Layugan; Cpl. Eugene Corpuz; PFC Ruben Bulayang; Cpl. Felix Jay Castillo; PFC Kreal Manaligod; Derver Lambino; Sgt. Reynante Ruma; Pvt. Jaime Boco Jr.; Pvt. Rizalde Tierro; Cpl. Geneus Calamcam; PFC Marnel Piduana; Sgt. Jerson Barasi; Cpl. Bingbong Salvador; Ssgt. Rex Cureg; PFC Sandoval Ludivico; PFC London Longawis; Pvt. Murphy Cuntapay; Pvt. Jayperson Balac; Sgt. Romeo Barbon; PFC Jordan Magundayao; PFC Gervil Lorenzo; and, PFC Aldron Paj-dio.
Galvez said that financial assistance was also given to the wounded soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said the command "recognizes the heroism of our troops and we empathize with their respective families for the loss.”
“This is the ultimate sacrifice our soldiers pay just to ensure that peace can be won in this part of the country,” he added.
“Despite the losses, we also have to recognize the efforts of the Joint Task Force Sulu and its troops that continuously pressure the bandits resulting to the successive and successful rescue of kidnap victims in Sulu,” dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054221
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