Marcos awards wounded soldiers
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized the heroism of soldiers who were wounded in a clash with members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG).
Marcos awarded the Gold Cross Medal, Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device, and Wounded Personnel Medal to four of the soldiers.
The Commander in Chief, accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, personally handed financial assistance to the 12 soldiers being treated at the Army General Hospital (AGH).
The soldiers were among the troops deployed by the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur last month.
The operation led to the arrest of nine DI-MG fighters, including those suspected to be behind the bombing at the Mindanao State University on Dec. 3, 2023.
Marcos lauded the soldiers for their courage and unwavering dedication to protect the Filipino people from groups that threaten the country’s security.
He assured them of his administration’s continued efforts to implement programs that will provide assistance to battle casualties and promote the welfare of AFP personnel and their families.
Marcos also vowed to quickly act on the request of the AGH and the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for additional equipment for them to better cater to the medical needs of the soldiers.
“Be assured that the government’s dedication to your advancement and welfare goes beyond providing modern equipment alone,” the President said.