(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to recuperating soldiers in his visit to the Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City for their honorable performance of duty in the fight against terrorists in Marawi City and with the New People’s Army in Tagum City.
Duterte pinned the Order of Lapu-Lapu medals to Private First Class (PFC) Ronald Pamonag and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Eduardo Matambonoy, Jr., and also pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal on Matambonoy.
He also personally checked on the soldiers’ condition during his visit.
PFC Pamonag sustained injuries following the siege in Marawi while CAA Matambonoy Jr. sustained injuries in a firefight that ensued against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at the vicinity of Magugpo East, Tagum City on November 17, 2017.
The President said he holds in high esteem the Order of Lapu-Lapu for the honor that it symbolizes, adding that it cannot be awarded even to a President.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu recognizes invaluable or extraordinary service given to the government.
President Duterte also extended support and financial assistance to the two soldiers. He also gave each a smartphone and a gun.
The Commander-in-Chief then paid a visit to the rest of the soldiers who are also recovering in the said hospital.
He then extended support and encouragement to them and gave financial assistance as well.
Duterte also commended their efforts made in the line of duty.
(based on a PND report)