THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has honored four soldiers, including a junior officer, for gallantry in the fight against terrorism in southern Philippines.

Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr., Westmincom chief, led the awarding of medal Thursday, September 10, to the four brave soldiers who are currently recuperating at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

Conferred with Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) were Private First Class Noel Baccoy and Private Jeasrael Sapao of the 21st Infantry Battalion and First Lieutenant Jestoni Labarosa and Private Joenel Cortizano of the 44th Infantry Battalion.

Baccoy and Sapao were wounded in the August 24 bombings by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Walled City village, Jolo, Sulu.

Labarosa and Cortizano were wounded in a gun battle Wednesday, September 9, against joint crime syndicate group and Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Furuji Indama in Sitio Limuno in President Roxas villages, Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"I personally highly appreciate and am very proud of your gallantry and will to fight for lasting peace here in Mindanao," Vinluan told the medal recipients.

"Your sacrifices will not be put in vain as we intensify all efforts to end terrorism and lawlessness. For now, take some rest and be healed," he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)