Pres. Duterte visits wake of fallen Army officer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Pres. Duterte visits wake of fallen Army officer

President Rodrigo Duterte visited last Monday night the wake of Capt. Clinton Capio, the first soldier killed in action this year, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani Mortuary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Accompanied by National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, President Duterte expressed sympathy and condolences to the wife of the fallen military officer.

The President also extended financial assistance to the bereaved family of Capio.

Capio from Baguio City is an elite Army Special Forces officer who was killed on January 12 following a nine-hour encounter with the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan.

Capio’s four other comrades were injured when they reportedly encountered 60 to 80 Abu Sayyaf terrorists under commander Furuji Indama in Barangay Cabcacan, Simisip town in Basilan. Two ASG militants were killed.

The Army’s operation against the Abu Sayyaf is in line with the directive of the President to eliminate the bandit group known for kidnappings and beheadings.

On his way out of the chapel, the President was greeted by many Army soldiers, most of them belonging to the Special Forces of the Philippine Army.

He briefly talked to the soldiers, assuring them of his full support as they perform their duties to the nation.

He asked them to continuously help in the government’s fight against illegal drugs and corruption and maintain peace and order in the country to sustain economic growth.

The President also assured the soldiers that his communication line will always be open in case they need help.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=955786