PRRD recognizes soldier’s heroism in Eastern Visayas

President Rodrigo Duterte visit to 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 20, 2019

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit yesterday at 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, Camp Lukban, Brgy. Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar recognized the heroism of wounded personnel as they fought for peace, freedom and development in Eastern Visayas.

Battle casualties of 46th Infantry (Peacemaker) Battalion, 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, and 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion recuperating at the Heroes Ward of Camp Lukban Station Hospital were personally visited and conferred with the Award of Wounded Personnel Medal by the President himself assisted by Maj. Gen, Raul M. Farnacio, Commander, 8ID which boosted the morale and well-being of the wounded personnel. Likewise, the President posthumously promoted five (5) brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an ambush by communist terrorists last April.

Prior to his talk, the Commander-in-Chief leads the ceremonial distribution of 2,701 Glock pistols and 200 .45 caliber pistols to the Stormtroopers.

The ceremony was attended by Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana, Department of Natonal Defense, Usec. Arthur I. Tabaquero, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, Vice Admiral Gaudencio C. Collado, Jr, Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieut. Gen. Noel S. Clement, Commander, Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, officers, soldiers, civilian employees, Philippine Navy personnel, Philippine National Police personnel, and invited guests.

During his Talk to the Stormtroopers, the Commander-In-Chief said that “I salute our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an ambush by the communist terrorists last April. Their sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten and their needs including those of their families will be taken cared of.”

The Commander-In-Chief also encouraged the remaining rebels to repudiate their outdated ideology, abandon their terroristic activities, and return to the folds of the law.

“Maubos nyo kaya ang sundalo ko? Maubos nyo kaya ang bala ko? Ang eroplano ko? Bakit hindi na lang kayo mag-surrender? Meron ako programa para sa inyo, gagawa ako ng bahay, bibigyan ko kayo ng trabaho. Just drop your weapon, stop fighting! And we will talk. Pero, if you remain to fight, problema niyo na yan” Duterte added.