PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has met with families of soldiers killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul and in twin explosions in Jolo in Sulu province, MalacaƱang confirmed on Wednesday, February 6.
The President then pledged that his administration would provide livelihood and educational assistance to the families of the slain soldiers, and promised to grant them free housing and help in education of their children, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
He said Duterte extended his sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families during their private meeting at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Tuesday, February 5.
"The Palace wishes to inform that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, February 4, had a private meeting with the families of the five killed-in-action soldiers from the encounter against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu last February 2; and one [killed-in-action] soldier from the bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu, last January 27," Panelo said.
"The President condoled with the bereaved families and honored the fallen soldiers for their heroism by awarding them the Order of Lapu-Lapu (rank of Kalasag)," he added.
Under Executive Order 25, inked by Duterte in July 2017, Kalasag Medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
Five soldiers were killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu, as the military launched on February 2 a manhunt of one bandit leader tagged in the twin bombings in Jolo.
Meantime, five other soldiers died in twin explosions at a Catholic church in Jolo on January 27.
Panelo said Duterte comforted the grieving families and assured them of the government's assistance "in terms of housing, livelihood, employment and educational assistance, among others." (SunStar Philippines)