Duterte gives Lapu-Lapu award to Espenido, 129 Marawi fallen

Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido (center, in cap) sits with (left and right) Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and MMDA Chair Danilo Lim before the start of the National Heroes’ Day celebration in Taguig City on Monday, August 28, 2017. INQUIRER.NET / NESTOR CORRALES

Published: 9:19 a.m., Aug. 28, 2017 | Updated: 11:39 p.m., Aug. 28, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu to Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido during the National Heroes’ Day celebration at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Espenido received the Magalong Medal, which is conferred on officials and employees of the government and private citizens who have rendered “extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”

Espenido led the raids on the houses of the Parojinog clan in Ozamiz in July that led to the death of the city’s mayor, Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., and 14 others.

He was the police commander of Albuera, Leyte province, when Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. was killed in a warrant raid on a cell in the subprovincial jail in Baybay City where the local official was held on drug charges on Nov. 5 last year.

Espenido was earlier given a special award during the Philippine National Police anniversary celebration for his contribution to Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs.

Mr. Duterte also awarded the Kalasag Medal under the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 129 government troops who were killed in action in the battle for Marawi City.

The Kalasag Medal is awarded to those who “lost their lives” as a direct result of their participation in the President’s campaign or advocacy.

Mr. Duterte created the Order of Lapu-Lapu in April through Executive Order No. 17 and expanded its coverage through Executive Order No. 35 that he signed on Aug. 3. /CBB /atm

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