THE Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has awarded Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) for gallantry in action to the soldiers who were wounded in a recent clash against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu province.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, awarded WPM during his visit on Friday to the soldiers at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.
The recipients of WPM are the 10 soldiers from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion who were wounded in a two-hour sporadic firefight with around 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits on Wednesday at Sitio Kan Apo Alu in Panglayahan village, Patikul, Sulu.
Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, earlier said the troops were on focused military operations when they clashed with the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
Most of the 10 wounded soldiers were admitted at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital while the others were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, said that Dela Vega has also visited the other wounded soldiers at the hospital in this city.
He said Dela Vega has commended the soldiers for their professionalism and dedication and willingness to give up their lives just for the people to live in peace within their communities.
Military offensive in Sulu continues against the Abu Sayyaf bandits aimed to rescue the hostages who are still being captivity.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding hostage 10 people, including five foreigners.
The hostages comprise of three Indonesians, one Dutch, one Vietnamese and five Filipinos. (SunStar Philippines)