Cops slain in ambush get posthumous awards

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has posthumously awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kalasag on three police officers slain in an ambush staged by suspected communist rebels in Camarines Sur last week. 

The President visited the wake of Police Officer 1 Ralph Jason Vida at the Camarines Sur provincial police office on Tuesday night. 

Malacañang said Duterte also met with the widows of PO3 Carlito Navarozza and SPO1 Percival Rafael.

The police officers were in the convoy of Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno when they were waylaid.

The President also visited the soldiers who were wounded in the NPA attack and remain confined in a hospital.

The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kalasag on Pvt. Ruben Bersabe, who was killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Camarines Norte last Oct. 14, and militiaman Teodoro Adoptante, who was slain in a clash also with rebels in Lupi town on Oct. 16. 

Cpls. Christoper Bactad and Joven Llorera and Pvts. Johnrex Ferpas and Jesse Pausal, who were wounded in an encounter with NPA guerrillas in Labo, Camarines Sur, were awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kampilan. 

The President distributed mobile phones, gun certificates  and social benefit packages consisting of financial, health, educational and employment assistance to the wounded soldiers and their families.