Duterte honors slain, wounded soldiers in Samar clash

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag to six Army soldiers killed in an encounter on Monday with communist insurgents in Borongan, Eastern Samar. 

Duterte flew to Camp Lukban in Catbalogan City on Friday to honor and condole with the families of S/Sgt. Rex Jadulco, Sgts Ronaldo Go and Sgt. Limar Banug, Cpls. Junmar Buranday and Kent Lloyd Agullo and Pfc. Charlie del Rosario.

The President also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan to 20 other government troopers wounded in the clash, 16 of them recuperating at the Camp Lukban Station Hospital and four at the Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in the government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy.

The Kampilan medal is conferred on persons who were seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in such action.

The dependents of the slain soldiers as well as the wounded soldiers and police officers received financial assistance from the government.

They received other assistance through the Comprehensive Social Benefit Program implemented by the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry and Health and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The President also directed the National Housing Authority, Commission on Higher Education, National Police Commission and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide assistance.

Treachery

AFP chief Gen. Noel Clement said the death of six soldiers in the clash does not indicate strength on the part of the enemy.

“Their acts showed weakness because they used treachery by using landmines,” Clement told reporters.

Prior to the gunfight, New People’s Army rebels reportedly detonated landmines.

“We commit to run after the perpetrators of this treacherous affront on our troops to protect our people’s democratic way of life and make those criminals pay for their action,” Clement said.