Duterte tells military: I’m ready to die with you 

President Rodrigo Duterte leads the distribution of goods to the enlisted personnel of Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu) during his visit to Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo on June 4, 2019. Accompanying the President is Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has assured soldiers he is ready “to die with you” as he gave recognition to 11 wounded soldiers in a ceremony held at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Duterte visited the military camp on Monday and conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with rank of Kampilan to 11 soldiers wounded during the May 31 encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group at Barangay Pansul, Patikul, Sulu.

The recipients of the award were Cpl. Arsenio Opaco Jr., Cpl. Sonny Jumoc, Pfc. Edwin Yurong, Pfc. Edeson Alom, Pfc. Abduhasad Baladji, Pcf. Joevertt Ramirez, Pvt. Dominic Osorio, Pvt. Jeric Peñaredondo, Pvt. Raymund Balambao, Pvt. Ramil Diaz Jr., and Pvt. Albert Daligdig.

President Rodrigo Duterte leads the awarding of the Gold Cross Medal to the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who have made exemplary acts while deployed in Sulu during his visit to Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo on June 4, 2019. ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte also awarded the Gold Cross Medal to Lt. Col. Abdulmoel Alamaia, Lt. Col. Ronaldo Amteo, 1st Lt. Romel Pacer, 1st Lt. Geronimo Vergara, Cpl. Ariel Sanchez, Cpl. Engelbert Tañan, and Cpl. Reylan Busmeon.

The President also led the donning of ranks to Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo and Brig. Gen. Andres Centino.

“Sa panahon na kailangan ninyo ang inyong commander-in-chief to be with you, beside you, and to die with you, nandito ako sa mga panahon na ‘yan,” Duterte said in his speech before the troops.

The President, who has doubled the salary of the military, vowed the payment of soldiers’ hazard pays for the recent months.

READ: 100% salary hike for military personnel, policemen pushed

He then reiterated his call for the Moro people to make peace with the government, saying his administration is ready to extend assistance to them.

He said Malacañang would ask the National Housing Authority to build shelters for the Moros, especially the Tausugs.

Despite his offer of assistance, the chief executive assured the public he would not tolerate brutality as he said that Islam is a great religion but has been corrupted by the Islamist extremists. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)