8 soldiers conferred posthumous Order of Lapu-Lapu

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives a message after posthumously awarding the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag to the killed soldiers during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on September 17, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –– President Rodrigo Duterte conferred on Monday a posthumous Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag, on eight soldiers killed in separate fightings in Basilan and Sulu provinces against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.

In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office said their families received the award.

Honored were Technical Sergeant Alberto P. Garde; Staff Sergeants Jayson C. Sawit, Aldam S. Baginda, and Kasir J. Riban; Corporal Nelson Vidal, and Private First Class Jake A. Ameglio.

They were killed in a November 8, 2017 clash in Sumisip, Basilan.

Also honored were Privates First Class Emie Pumicpic and Benhar Ahajul who died in a battle in Sulu on August 7, 2016.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is conferred on persons in the government or the private sector who rendered extraordinary service or made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy, the PCO said.

The Kalasag medal is awarded to government officials and personnel, and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity under a campaign or advocacy of the President, the PCO added.

PCO further said that Duterte vowed to support the housing needs of the families of the slain soldiers as well as the education of their children. Ryan Rosauro /lzb