Duterte awards 10 soldiers hurt in battling terror

CAMP DELA CRUZ, Isabela — President Duterte awarded medals under the “Order of Lapu-Lapu” to 10 wounded soldiers of the Philippine Army in the battle against terrorists on Thursday, it was learned yesterday.

President Duterte was assisted by Lieutenant General Emmanuel B. Salamat, commander of the military’s Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); Major Gen. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., 5th Infantry Division (5ID) commander; and Lt. Colonel Ignacio P. Timbol, chief of hospital of the 5ID, in pinning the “Rank of Kampilan Medal” to the soldiers who had been wounded in action.

They were identified by the NOLCOM as Sergeant Michael A. Ammadang of army’s 17th Infantry Battalion (5IB); Sgt. Frezer H. May-anao; Corporals Randy M. Puyao, Maurin Paul B. Garan, Melvin A. Ginez, and Jeronimo S. Tongdo; Privates First Class (PFCs) Eliezer P. Obiasea and Jone D. Dunghan, all of the army’s 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB); and PFCs Michael C. Valdez and Renny Boy S. Humiwat, both of the army’s 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB).

Aside from the award, each of them also received a Glock certificate, check amounting to R100,000, cash assistance of R10,000, a cellphone, and an Office of the President Action Center Card.

Two of them were wounded in action in fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu; while the rest were wounded in the battle against Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists in Isabela and Cagayan provinces.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan 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.