Duterte vows aid for kin of soldiers killed in Jolo blasts, ASG encounter
President Duterte on Monday assured the families of soldiers killed in the twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu and those who fought with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul of the government’s assistance.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo confirmed that Duterte had a private meeting with the families of the five killed-in-action (KIA) soldiers from the encounter against the ASG in Patikul last February 2.
The President also met with
the relatives of a soldier killed in the bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu, last January 27. The meeting took place at the Matina Enclaves.
According to the Palace official, Duterte extended his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers who were also recognized for their sacrifice.
"The President condoled with the bereaved families and honored the fallen soldiers for their heroism by awarding them the Order of Lapu Lapu (rank of Kalasag)," Panelo said.
"He comforted the grieving families and assured them of the government's assistance in terms of housing, livelihood, employment, and educational assistance, among others," he added.
Panelo said the President was joined by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., Philippine National Police Director Oscar Albayalde, and Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto.
The President also visited the wake of Solona Torralba Canoy, wife of former Cagayan de Oro mayor Reuben Canoy in Barangay Causwagan. Solona passed
away last February 3 due to cardiac arrest. She was 94.
According to Malacañang, Duterte arrived at the Canoy residence at 8:05 p.m. and talked to the family members for more than an hour.
In 2018, Duterte appointed Canoy as a member of the consultative committee tasked to review the 1987 Constitution. Canoy, a lawyer by profession, is the founder of the Radio Mindanao Network.
Meanwhile, official Palace photos show that Duterte also visited the wake of the late Olivia Paras, wife of Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras at the Heritage Park in Taguig City Tuesday evening.