Kalinaw News: PRRD Visits Troops of JTF-SULU, commends Militarty Accomplishments in FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2021): PRRD Visits Troops of JTF-SULU, commends Militarty Accomplishments in FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM



January 25, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – On the afternoon of January 22, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, visited the troops of Joint Task Force-Sulu and commended their accomplishments in the government’s fight against terrorism.

President Duterte, personally conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi to the troops of the Joint Task Force-Sulu led by its commander MGen William N Gonzales in connection with the success of the Perfect Storm 2, a special operation that led to the neutralization of seven Abu Sayyaf Group – Kidnap for Ransom Group (ASG-KFRG) members near Sulare Island in Parang twon, Sulu in November 2020.

The twenty-four (24) awardees, comprised of thirteen (13) military officers and eleven (11) enlisted personnel, came from the different branches of military service who form part the JTF namely, the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force.

In his speech, the president said that he is deeply honored to recognize the extraordinary heroism of the officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP. “They will be conferred with the order of Lapu-lapu with the rank of Kamagi which I hope will further inspire the rest of men and women in the AFP to continue serving our country no matter the cause.”

“Let me take this opportunity to commend the brave men and women of the Joint Task Force Sulu and the 11th Infantry Division for their recent gains against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your determination has greatly reduced their strength in the past year,” the president added.

The President also remembered soldiers who have sacrificed their lives fighting for peace. “I see this is as a very opportune time since we are about to mark the second year of the bombing of Mount Carmel Cathedral on January 27. Our presence here is assurance that we will not just honor those who have perished in this tragedy we also do everything within our power to prevent similar acts of violence in this country so that people will not experience it again.”

The ceremony was also witnessed by Defense Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines, the three major service commanders, and Sulu Governor Abdusakur M Tan.

For his part, MGen Gonzales expressed his gratitude to the President and vowed to continue the JTF-Sulu’s mandate in pursuit of peace in the region. “This recognition inspires us to remain steadfast in our mission to eliminate the ASG and clear the path toward peace and development here in Sulu. More than this, the President’s assurance of support really uplifts the morale of our troops, who bravely risk their lives every day to protect our nation and fellowmen. We are very privileged that this is the first official visit of the president to a military unit,” said MGen Gonzales.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is usually given to government officials/personnel and private individuals in recognition of their exemplary service in significantly advancing the campaign of the president. Aside from the award, President Duterte also gave a check that was received by CSAFP Gen Gilbert Gapay in support of the military’s offensive operations against the ASG in Sulu.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/prrd-visits-troops-of-jtf-sulu-commends-militarty-accomplishments-in-fight-against-terrorism/