Duterte to commend wounded soldiers in Jolo, Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY — President Duterte is expected in Jolo, Sulu for the commemoration of the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan today.

Colonel Gerry Besana, the public affairs officer of the Western Mindanao Command, said Duterte would be accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Busbus village in Jolo town at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The initial advisory from Malacanang said Duterte is commemorating the Araw ng Kagitingan together with soldiers in Sulu who fought against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The program will start with a wreath-laying on the monument of the Late General Teodulfo Bautista, followed with the awarding of 17 wounded in action, after which the President will speak to the troops.

Besana said local chief executives in Sulu were expected to be there.

“We are informed that he will talk with the local government units in connection with the election, awarding of battle casualties, (he will also) talk with the ground commanders,” he said.

The President will also give various commendations to soldiers who survived the clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

Besana said 18 members of the Joint Task Force Sulu, including one junior officer, would receive the wounded personnel medals from the president while 11 soldiers and officers would get the merit medal, silver and gold cross medal during the program scheduled around 4:30 p.m. inside the headquarters of the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, will also hand over to Duterte about two dozens of assorted high-powered weapons either recovered during the encounter or voluntarily handed over to them by surrendered armed men. /lzb