QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte visited on Thursday 28 soldiers wounded following a clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu days before.
Duterte visited Lt. Col. William George Cordova, battalion commander; 1LT Joe Mari S. Landicho; Sgt. Randy G. Balutoc; Sgt. Samian B. Calangan; Cpl. Crispin S. Agoy; Cpl. Brainard T. Dumondon; Cpl. Ronald Allan B. Lorenzo; Cpl. Jonathan D. Mukay; Cpl. Mariel J. Reboredo; Cpl. Ruben G. Olaso; and PFC Jomar C. Avero.
He also visited PFC Randy D. Culhi; PFC John Joseph S. Diaz; PFC James A. Layugan; PFC Daniel G. Paclay; PFC Rebushsein Babo E. Stock; PFC Ronald D. Tabliago; PFC Jun B. Terrenal; PFC Kristian B. Ayangao; PFC Jomar S. Yap; PFC Jomer B. Dalayday; PFC Yasher J. Bayongan; PFC Emerson M. Awingan; Pvt. Royman C. Talana; Pvt. Julius V. Ancheta; Pvt. Michael Xedric L. Adriatico; Pvt. Judie S. Domingo; and Pvt. Jefrey F. Viernes.
All soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion, 5th Division had clashed with a group led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Radulan Sahiron and Almujer Yadah in Talipao, in Sulu last April 1, 2017, and were undergoing treatment at the Camp BGen Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.
The President–who took the time to go to each of the soldiers’ rooms—gave each soldier a medal, financial assistance, a cellular phone, and a Glock 30 .45 semi-automatic pistol.
Duterte was accompanied by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo M. Año; commanding general Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda; and Commanding Officer of the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) MGen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr.
Jodi Bustos, Eagle News Service