PBBM vows support for soldiers’ welfare

MANILA — President Marcos on Monday visited the 12 soldiers who were wounded in recent clashes with the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur. He assured them of the government’s ongoing support for programs aimed at promoting their welfare.

Accompanied by high-ranking security officials, Marcos visited the Army General Hospital at Fort Bonifacio to pay tribute to the wounded military personnel and offer them financial aid from the Office of the President and the social welfare department.

During the visit, Marcos presented gold cross medals to S/Sgt. Jhonny Batucan Jr. and Pfc. Mark John Culaway in recognition of their gallantry during the encounter. Additionally, military merit medals with bronze spearhead devices were awarded to Pfc. Vicent Salvani and Pfc. Jheremy Addattu for their vital roles in the operation.

During his hospital visit, Marcos commended the soldiers for their courage and unwavering dedication to safeguarding Filipinos and the nation against security threats.

He pledged his support for programs aimed at assisting battle casualties and enhancing the welfare of soldiers and their families. Furthermore, Marcos assured the troops that his office is addressing the requests from the Army General Hospital and Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for additional equipment.

Nine militants from the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group were killed during a series of skirmishes with government forces in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, towards the end of last month. Among the fatalities were suspects implicated in the bombing of the Mindanao State University-Marawi last December, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and numerous injuries.

Also in attendance during the hospital visit were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) celebrated yesterday the accomplishments of at least 20 officers who demonstrated their service in the United Nations Mission, which aims to maintain peace and order in South Sudan.

PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. commended them in a speech during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame, recognizing their efforts and emphasizing their courage, professionalism, and dedication to peacekeeping.

The 20 awardees, consisting of 13 policewomen and seven policemen, completed a 12-month service in South Sudan and were honored with the Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) during the ceremony.

Acorda underscored the PNP’s dedication to upholding integrity, service, and excellence, demonstrating the resilience of the Filipino spirit on the international stage.

He further urged professionalism and adherence to the rule of law, highlighting the significance of trust within the police organization.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized the Philippines’ extensive involvement in UN peacekeeping operations since 1963, having deployed over 14,000 Filipino peacekeepers to various conflict-affected regions worldwide.

He praised the PNP for bolstering the country’s reputation as a dependable contributor to UN peace operations by increasing the deployment of individual police officers.

“Filipino peacekeepers have played critical roles not just in peacekeeping but also in rebuilding communities, health care and promoting human rights, especially in regions affected by climate change and complex geopolitical conflicts,” Manalo said.

He congratulated the Filipino police peacekeepers for their commitment to peace, emphasizing the Philippines’ continued support for UN peacekeeping operations.