PNoy visits wounded soldiers in hospitals

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday night visited two military hospitals to personally check on soldiers wounded-inaction (WIA) in their armed encounters in Mindanao.

The first stop for the President was the V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City where he met with a number of military men admitted at the Heroes’ Ward.

The President’s second stop was at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City to personally engage with at least 11 soldiers confined at the Surgical Ward.

Joining the President during the visit was Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

In his visit, President Aquino briefly spoke to each soldier, thanked them for their service to the country and wished them speedy recovery.

The President also handed over monetary assistance from the President’s Social Fund (PSF) in recognition of their gallantry and bravery. Those who sustained major injuries received

100,000 while those with minor injuries were given 50,000.

The troopers were injured in separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Jolo, Sulu, and Basilan in the all- out offensive launched by the military against lawless elements in Mindanao.

Among those wounded in clashes with the BIFF were Private First Class Rolito Gumapac, 43, and Private First Class Noli Gumisad, 28.

Following his visit to the two hospitals, President Aquino visited the wake of two marine corps members who were killed in action (KIA) and whose remains lie in state at the Bonifacio Naval Station Mortuary in Taguig City.

The President held a brief dialogue with the families of Sgt. Francis Jeffel Flores, 31, Philippine Navy; and Cpl. Josen Mias, 29, Philippine Navy, who were members of the Special Operations Platoon of the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT).

Both soldiers died during an encounter with more or less 70 armed members of the BIFF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The President handed each family a 250,000 cheque from his Social Fund.