Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela
November 21, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte rendered his salute to the killed-in-action (KIA) soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) in a wake visit at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.

The Commander-in-Chief posthumously bestowed the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag to Cpl. Renhart Macad, Cpl. Bryan Apalin, Cpl. John Raphy Francisco, Cpl. Marlon Manuel, and PFC Jordan Labbutan. Their respective families received the award, as well as the financial assistance handed over by the President.

In his short message, President Duterte recognized the sacrifice of the soldiers who perished in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu last November 16, 2018.

“Being the Commander-in-Chief, I would like to make my last salute sa aking sundalo. Mahal ko ang sundalo ko, mahal ko kayo. ‘Yan ang pagmamahal ng isang tatay,” the President remarked.

The slain soldiers were part of the reinforcement sent by the 5ID to augment military operations against the terrorist elements camping in Sulu.

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