105 soldiers receive ‘Order of Lapu-Lapu’

President Duterte awarded the “Order of LapuLapu” (Kamagi Medal and Kampilan Medal) to 105 soldiers during a ceremony held at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City the other day.

The Kampilan Medal was presented to the 75 soldiers by the President. The Kamagi Medal, on the other hand, was presented to 30 soldiers wounded in action in various encounters all over the country.

Army Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said the awarding was part of the demilitarization ceremony of the captured, confiscated, surrendered, and recovered firearms.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu or the Executive Order No. 17 is “awarded to officials and personnel of the government, as well as private individuals, in recognition of their invaluable service in relation to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”

It is comprised of four medals: Magalong Medal, Kalasag Medal, Kampilan Medal, and Kamagi Medal.

“The Kampilan Medal is awarded to those who were seriously wounded or injured or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President,” Tiongson said.

“The Kamagi Medal is awarded to those who actively participated in and contributed significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President,” he added.

President Duterte also led the destruction of more than 600 firearms belonging to the terrorist Maute Group during his visit to Fort Bonifacio.

Tiongson said a total of 652 firearms retrieved from the terror group which lay siege of Marawi City last May 23, 2017, were destroyed.