FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with the Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, visited the soldiers of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID) at Jolo, Sulu on Saturday, December 14.
The President conferred the award of the Order of Lapu-lapu, Rank of Kampilan to 10 wounded military personnel in connection with the 11ID’s first founding anniversary.
“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,” addressed Duterte who lauded Alakdan Division’s efforts in fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the region.
The President gave the award to 1st Lt. Vergara D. Geronimo, Sgt. Vicente Calvin O. Belino Jr., Cpl. Ariel H. Gormonit, Cpl. Cornelio G. Olandag, Pvt. First Class Albert C. Aras, Pvt. First Class Jezzer S. Ea, Pvt. First Class Jay-Arr D. Redula, Pvt. First Class Francis M. Ybañez, Pvt. First Class John Carlo C. Casintahan, and Pvt. First Class Glenn C. Acayan after being seriously injured in an encounter against the ASG early this December.
On the other hand, CGPA who graced the anniversary celebration in a thanksgiving ceremony, commended the Division’s accomplishments after it was activated last year.
Among 11ID's successful operations resulted in the neutralization of 249 threat group personalities, recovery of firearms and improvised explosive devices as well as the rescue of 14 kidnapping victims and the Hyrons couple.
The CGPA also challenged the troops to sustain the momentum of neutralizing the terrorist groups and continue to take initiative in the peace and development activities to further serve the people and secure the land.
“Ang inyong mga sakripisyo tulad ng pagiging malayo sa pamilya at palaging malapit sa kapahamakan ay hindi matutumbasan. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong mga magandang nasimulan at tiyak ko na masmalayo pa ang mararating ninyo sa mga susunod pa na mga taon,” said Gapay.#