Duterte honors soldiers killed in clash with rebels
NAGA CITY --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, October 23, honored security forces killed in separate clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte last week.
The President arrived at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office to visit the wake of PO1 Ralph Jason Vida, one of the three policemen who died during an ambush by the NPA last Thursday in Lupi, Camarines Sur.
President Duterte also met with the spouses of PO3 Carlito Navarroza and SPO1 Percival Rafael who died during the said incident. The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag on the three policemen.
Meanwhile, The President also gave army soldier Pvt. Ruben Bersabe who died in an encounter in Camarines Norte last October 14 the same award.
CAA Teodoro Adoptante who died in a separate clash in Lupi last October 16 was given the similar honor.
President Duterte handed over to the relatives the Order of Lapu-Lapu – Rank of Kalasag.
Such honor is given to uniformed personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties. Apart from this, the Chief Executive also provided financial assistance, scholarship, and employment to the families of the deceased.
President Duterte Visits Wounded Soldiers in Naga
Before the wake visit, President Duterte met the injured soldiers at the Universidad De Sta. Isabel- Mother Seton Hospital in Naga City.
The military personnel sustained wounds during the October 14 encounter with the NPA in Labo, Camarines Norte. They were Cpl. Christopher Bactad, Cpl. Joven Llorera, Pvt. Johnrex Ferpas, and Pvt. Jesse Pausal.
The Chief Executive also visited the five wounded police officers who were attacked by the communist rebels in Lupi, Camarines Sur while escorting Food and Drug Administrarion Director General Nela Charade Puno last October 18.
They each received the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kampilan from President Duterte.
The said honor is given to individuals for their extraordinary acts of service in pursuing the advocacy and campaign of the President.
Each of the wounded security forces also received a cellphone, gun certificate, and Comprehensive Social Benefit Package consisting of financial assistance, educational support for their children, health assistance, and employment.