PRRD Confers Order of Lapu Lapu to Wounded Soldiers

The death and sacrifices of the government troopers were not in vain and all their efforts were justly rewarded, not just with the conferment of recognition by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte but with the respect and love that they earned from the community they have pledged to serve.

President Duterte during his visit here yesterday, Oct. 23, showed his recognition to the government troopers’ bravery by conferring in them the Order of Lapu Lapu with the rank of Kampilan for those who were wounded-in-action (WIA). The Order of Lapu Lapu with the rank of Kalasag was also given to those who perished or Killed-In Action (KIA) while pursuing the peace campaign of the President.

Before proceeding to the wake of PO1 Ralph Jason D. Vida at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO), President Duterte dropped off at the Mother Seton Hospital along Diversion Road, here and had a brief audience with the wounded soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA).

He then conferred to them the Order of Lapu Lapu with the rank of Kampilan in recognition of their bravery to pursue the advocacy of the President.

Recipients include Cpl. Christopher N. Bactad, Squad leader, 1st Squad, Bravo Company; Cpl. Joven N. Llorera, Pvt. Johnrex P. Perfas , Pvt. Jesse B. Pausal, all from the 96IB and PFC Reynaldo A. Aquino from the 83IB, PA.

They were all wounded during the Oct. 14 encounter at Brgy. Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte while Aquino suffered injuries during the armed encounter at Barangay Mainit, Bato, Camarines Sur on Oct. 22.

Posthumously conferred with the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kalasag were Pvt. Jan A. Balala and Pvt. Ruben D. Bersabe Jr., both from the 96IB.

Also conferred with the same award was 2LT Jason Frederick P. Pasco, Platoon leader of the Bravo Company, 83IB who was killed in an armed encounter with undetermined number of alleged members of NPA at Barangay Mainit, Bato, Camarines Sur on Oct. 22.

9th Infantry Division Commander, MGen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr., said that this is the New People Army’s way to make their presence felt especially now that the mid-term election is fast-approaching. This he said, will not dampen the army’s spirit to pursue peace but will ignite their desire to bring our lost brothers in the folds of law. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)