PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has given P2.5-million cash reward to the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for their recent accomplishment against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Philippine Army commander, delivered the cash reward Sunday, November 15, in Jolo, Sulu and was received by Brigadier General Manuel Sequitin, 11th Infantry Division assistant commander, in behalf of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Sobejana said the grant of the cash reward is a gesture of satisfaction of the President to the good job made by his soldiers.

Seven Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while several high-powered firearms were recovered following a clash at sea with government troops on November 3 near Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu.

The clash prevented the Abu Sayyaf bandits from spreading and extending their violence and terroristic acts in the province of Tawi-Tawi, as revealed by intelligence operatives.

Sobejana, who conveyed the chief executive's congratulatory note to the soldiers, said "the President gave the cash reward to inspire you more in achieving higher goals, that is no less the accomplishment of respective mandates and tasks."

In the same visit, Sobejana personally awarded four Gold Cross and two Silver Cross medals to officers and soldiers who directly participated in the November 3 security operations near Sulare Island, Parang.

He expressed his personal gratitude in the success of the whole 11th Infantry Division and to the Joint Task Force Sulu in accomplishing the mandate of bringing peace and security within the area of operation particularly the province of Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)