Pres. Duterte to Visit Mindanao Soldiers Wounded in Fight vs Illegal Drugs

Camp Siongco, Maguindanao — Showing his compassion for government forces who offered lives in defense of Filipino people, President Rodrigo Duterte will visit infantrymen wounded during government anti-drug operations in North Cotabato last week.

It will be Pres. Duterte’s second visit to this camp in his first 50 days in office to propagate his determination and commitment to get rid the country of illegal drugs.

The 6th Infantry Division public affairs office said the President will arrive at past 12 noon to personally convey his compassion and sympathy to wounded soldiers at Camp Siongco Hospital.

He is expected to pin wounded personnel medal to at least eight soldiers slightly hurt when Moro lawless elements fired rifle grenades to approaching lawmen in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato on Sunday dawn.

Five of the injured were identified as Sgt. Arinio Grafil, Cpl. Diocesar Espanola, Pfc. Romnick Clerigo, Privates Normel Grande and Edgar Gegone, all of the 6th Division Reconnaissance Company.

The President has already condoled with the family of Navy Intelligence officer Darwin Espallardo who died during the anti-drug raid and whose remains were brought to NAIA 3 Wednesday afternoon.

Espallardo, along with Army Corporal Jose Miravalles and PFC Jaypee Duran, both of 6th ID, were killed in the ensuing fire fight against the group of Moks Masgal, alias “Commander Mabrook.”

Masgal, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader, was engaged in illegal drug activities in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

The President is expected to reiterate his commitment to totally get rid the country of illegal drugs. (PNA) JMC/NYP/EOF