Duterte gives Lapu-Lapu award to wounded Army soldiers

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte will visit wounded soldiers recuperating at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on Tuesday.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said Duterte will award the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 26 wounded soldiers confined at the military hospital.

The soldiers were wounded from various encounters against communist rebels and terrorists all over the country.

The highest ranking personnel to receive the award is Sgt. Dario Dalina of the Army’s Special Operations Command.

The President is also expected to hand out financial assistance to the military casualties, Tiongson said.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, comprised of four medals, was created by Duterte through Executive No. 17 last April and later expanded it through EO No. 35 in August.

The Kamagi Medal is given to officials and personnel of government, as well as private individuals, as recognition of their invaluable service in relation to a campaign of the President. /je