Duterte cites wounded cops, soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte honored 10 Army troopers and police officers who were wounded in separate clashes with the Abu Sayyaf bandit group, during his visit in Sulu on Saturday. 

Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan on the soldiers and policemen, who were confined at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.

The award is given to individuals who are seriously wounded or suffer loss of property in the performance of their duties.

Among those who were awarded were 1Lt. Vergara Geronimo, Sgt. Vicente Calvin Belino Jr., Cpls. Ariel Gormonit and Cornelio Olandag and Pfcs. Albert Aras, Jezzer Ea, Jay-Arr Redula, Francis Ybañez, John Carlo Casintahan and Glenn Acayan.

The police officers who received the award were SM/Sgt. Adil Salamat, CM/Sgt. Abdulmuidz Marajani and Cpl. Halkim Ibno.

Duterte thanked the government forces for risking their lives to protect the country and the people.