Monday, October 2, 2023

PNP chief lauds wounded commandos

From the Manila Times (Sep 29, 2023): PNP chief lauds wounded commandos (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda flew to this southern Filipino city on Thursday and visited wounded police commandos whose unit clashed with an Abu Sayyaf fighter in Sulu province.

Acorda pinned medals to the wounded commandos at a hospital where they were recuperating following last week's fighting in the village of Seit Higad in Panamao town, where police forces eventually killed Muksidal Jumadil.




PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda salutes a policeman who was wounded while performing his duty in Sulu’s Panamao town. PNP PHOTO

The wounded commandos, all members of the 7th Special Action Battalion, were rushed to hospital. Among the wounded were a captain and two of his lieutenants.

Police forces were sent to the remote town to serve an arrest warrant on Jumadil at his hideout after villagers tipped off authorities about his presence.

But Jumadil, armed with an automatic weapon, opened fire on the commandos, sparking a fierce battle.

Jumadil was wanted for a string of murders in Sulu, but no other details about his Abu Sayyaf past were made available by the authorities except for the murder of a woman, Nurdija Aminuddin, whom he brutally killed and decapitated in the town of Luuk.

The slain suspect was also linked to illegal drugs.

Acorda said he was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit the commandos and awarded them the prestigious "Medalya Ng Kadakilaan" (Heroism Medal) and "Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting" (Wounded Personnel Medal) in recognition of their valor and sacrifice.

He also provided the commandos with an undetermined amount of money as financial aid.

Police released the names of the wounded as Capt. Nolie Agmaliw, Lt. Jhorlino Rico Apal, Lt. Earl Abbdurajan 3rd, Pat. Lionel Suarverdez, Pat. Edison Ray Paris and Cpls. Reymir Subion, Lindo Macua, Oliver Alviar and Andres Dalang.

Acorda praised the heroism and bravery of the wounded commandos.

"While we salute the valor of our personnel, the safety of our colleagues is our paramount concern. Tayo ay palagiang mag-ingat lalo na sa mga notorious individual na katulad ni Jumadil na sumugat sa ating mga kasamahan. Iisa lang ang ating buhay, kaya ito'y ating pahalagahan at pakakaingatan para sa ating pamilya," he said.

Many of the Abu Sayyaf leaders in Sulu had been killed in military and police operations, and their members surrendered in the past years to avail of the government's amnesty program.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/29/regions/pnp-chief-lauds-wounded-commandos/1912273

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.