THE Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu has awarded medal to two soldiers for gallantry in the latest clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Sulu.
Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, JTF-Sulu commander, awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to two soldiers when he visited them Thursday, May 19, at the Camp General Teofulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus village, Jolo, Sulu.
The recipients of the WPM were Private Al-Shaif Awang and Private Jesus Langyon, who were among the three soldiers injured in the May 15 clash against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Tumatangis village, Indanan.
The third injured soldier, whose identity was not immediately available, was taken to Camp Navarro General Hospital of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in Zamboanga City.
“Private Awang and Private Langyon belong to the operating troops of the 100th Infantry Battalion who conducted pursuit operations against the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) bandits following a tip-off from a concerned citizen of the bandits’ presence in Barangay Tumatangis,” Patrimonio said.
He lauded the soldiers for their gallantry, dedication and commitment in performing their duties and responsibilities as member of the operating troops of the 100th Infantry Battalion.
“I salute you of your dedication, commitment, and sacrifices in performing your task. You are the epitome of true gallant soldiers who are willing to sacrifice in order to attain lasting peace,” he said.
“I also commend the continuous efforts of our troops on the ground in pursuing the remaining members of the ASG bandits. The tipping-off of the ASG bandits’ presence manifests the sincere desire of the community to end terrorism. Let us therefore intensify our efforts until we finally neutralize these ASG bandits,” he added.
The WPM is awarded to a military personnel or civilian citizens who are serving with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for having been wounded in action against an enemy of the state or as a direct result of an enemy act, provided such wound necessitates treatment of a medical officer. (SunStar Zamboanga)