President Rodrigo Duterte spent the later part of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Jolo, Sulu to honor the soldiers there who have been in continuous operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), many of whom have died or have been wounded in the service of their country.
The President, in his speech congratulated the successful military operations, which resulted to the surrender or neutralization of ASG members including sub-leaders, the rescue of kidnap victims, and the recovery of firearms.
“We acknowledge our troops today for their relentless efforts against lawless elements that continue to threaten our nation. I am especially pleased with our military’s present accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to the ultimate objective of totally crushing violent extremism at its roots,” President Duterte said.
Because of the soldiers’ gallantry, the President declared “ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines.”
President Duterte said the Filipinos are “eternally indebted” to the soldiers and their sacrifices, and because of this gratitude, he committed to always look after the welfare of the soldiers and their families.
“During my time, you will be rewarded with good pay and with everything you would need after. I will see to it that you will have funds when you retire and that your children’s schooling will be assured even if we are no longer there even by natural or any other means of saying goodbye to this world. I have your back,” he said.
Yesterday (April 8), the military encountered more or less 30 armed ASG in the neighboring municipality of Patikul. According to Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana, two bandits were killed in the firefight, while no casualties were reported on the government side. The military has been in continuous operations against the ASG particularly in Sulu and Basilan provinces.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020720
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