Duterte honors cops, soldiers killed, wounded in Bicolandia encounters
President Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kalasag on three police officers and two military men slain in separate clashes with the New People's Army (NPA) in the Bicol region this month.
Duterte on Tuesday visited the wake of PO1 Ralph Jason Vida at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office.
He was one of the three police officers killed following an ambush by suspected NPA rebels last Thursday in Lupi, Camarines Sur.
The President also met the spouses of PO3 Carlito Navarozza and SPO1 Percival Rafael who also died during the said incident.
Meanwhile, Duterte also conferred the same award on Philippine Army’s Pvt. Ruben Bersabe who died in an encounter in Camarines Norte last October 14, and on CAA Teodoro Adoptante who died in a separate clash in Lupi last October 16.
The Rank of Kalasag is given to uniformed personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Aside from the said distinction, Duterte also extended financial assistance, scholarships and employment opportunities to the families of the slain lawmen.
Duterte earlier met the injured soldiers at the Universidad De Sta. Isabel- Health Services Department (USI-HSD) in Naga City.
Cpl. Christoper Bactad, Cpl. Joven Llorera, Pvt. Johnrex Ferpas and Pvt. Jesse Pausal were wounded in an encounter with the NPA in Labo, Camarines Sur on October 14.
Duterte also visited the five wounded police officers who were attacked by the communist rebels in Lupi, Camarines Sur while escorting Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno last Thursday.
Each soldier and police officer received the Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kampilan from the President.
The said award is given to individuals for their extraordinary acts of service in pursuing the advocacy and campaign of the President.
Each of the wounded security forces also received a cellphone, gun certificate, and Comprehensive Social Benefit Package consisting of financial assistance, educational support for their children, health assistance and employment.