ZAMBOANGA CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte praised government troops belonging to the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) for making "great strides" in the continuing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.
Duterte, accompanied by Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, chief of the Philippine Army, visited Jolo, Sulu on Saturday to grace the first- anniversary celebration of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.
The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan, on soldiers of the Army division for gallantry in action in a ceremony held at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, according to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a statement on Tuesday.
“To our brave soldiers who are with us today, you are here because you have answered the call to serve your nation by ensuring peaceful and safe communities for all,” Duterte was quoted as telling the troops.
He urged the troops to sustain the momentum of the offensive against the ASG bandits.
Duterte also distributed financial assistance and packages to the soldiers.
“We are all the more motivated to continue our fight against terrorist groups for our peace and development campaign in Mindanao. We are all inspired by the full support and sincerity of the Commander-in-Chief. Nothing can inspire us more than knowing that we have his full support and sincerity,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief.
Also present during the activity was Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. (PNA)
