DU30 salutes ASG nemeses

Mr. Duterte assured the soldiers that they have his full support in their fight against the bandits

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday commended the Joint Task Force Sulu and the 11 Infantry Division for their recent gains against the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf following his visit at Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu.

“Let me take this opportunity to commend the brave men and women of 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,” Duterte said.

Terrorism and insurgency continue to plague the country, disrupting public order in the middle of a pandemic.

At the same time, Duterte expressed disappointment that he could not go to the hospitals to visit wounded soldiers amid the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country.

“There are times with so many restrictions, I cannot — I would not have to visit the wounded soldiers. But just the same, please convey to them — if they are listening, my profound gratitude for their service to the country,” Duterte added.

Mr. Duterte assured the soldiers that they have his full support in their fight against the bandits.

NPA, ASG top foes

“We just (celebrated) the start of 2021 a few weeks ago, yet the dangers we faced last year remain in our midst. We thus thank you, our brave soldiers, for your unrelenting service to the nation during these difficult times,” he noted.

He said that terrorism and insurgency continue to plague the country, disrupting public order in the middle of a pandemic, saying the Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army (NPA) are taking advantage of the situation.

“Recently, many among your ranks offered their lives for our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, I convey my most profound sympathies to their grieving families, for they are the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace. For that, we will forever be grateful,” he added.

According to Duterte, the year ahead will bring the military many opportunities and challenges.

“Just remember that no matter how hard things may get, your government will always be there to support your family by ensuring their well-being above else,” Duterte said.

Military hospitals get aid

Duterte said that he will allot P50 million each for V. Luna Medical Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center and another P100 million month for Philippine General Hospital to ensure that the government hospitals are well-maintained for the wounded uniformed personnel.

Duterte was accompanied during his visit by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Senator Bong Go, AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay, Sulu

Governor Abdusakur Tan, Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan II and Western Mindanao Command commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan.

During his visit, Duterte gifted the soldiers with Glock .45.

He added that those who were killed during the operation against the Abu Sayyaf will be conferred with the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kamagi.

Just remember that no matter how hard things may get, your government will always be there to support your family.

“This I hope will further inspire the rest of our men and women in the AFP to continue serving our country no matter the cost,” he said.

Duterte noted that his visit also marked the second year of the bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on 27 January.

“Our presence here is an assurance that we will not just honor those who have perished in this tragedy. We will also do everything in our power to prevent similar acts of cowardice and violence so that our people will never experience them again,” he said.

He said that the country’s progress as a nation has been hindered by the insurgency and terrorism for several decades.

“This is the reason why I have nothing but high praises and respect for all of you who are taking the risk to deter those who disrupt the peace of our country,” according to Duterte.

He also expressed his optimism that the government will be able to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu permanently.