WESMINCOM, Zamboanga City
August 31, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the wake of 11 out of 15 killed-in-action (KIA) soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) at Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) in Zamboanga City.

Upon his arrival, the President approached the flag-clad caskets and condoled the bereaved families of the slain military personnel. Four of them were already buried prior to the arrival of the President.

Aside from the initial financial assistance, the Commander-in-Chief said in his speech that he will also give educational assistance from kindergarten to high school for all the children left by the killed soldiers. The widows will automatically be enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and will be employed in government posts through the help of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional offices.

“‘Yung mga problema na hindi niyo na kaya, mag-iiwan ako ng number. Tawagan niyo lang ako. Sabihin niyo ang problema… Maghahanap ako ng solusyon para sa problema ninyo,” he said to the families of the fallen soldiers.

The 15 soldiers were 2Lt. Ernan Gusto, SSgt. Ruel Catubay, Sgt. Jay Erwin Almohallas, Cpl. Elid Ismael, Cpl. Omar Raddulan, Cpl. Ronald Galloniga, Cpl. Saik Mandangan, Pfc. Dhendo Dujo, Pfc. Roselito Arnoco, Pfc. Nestor Bacaling, Pfc. Rogelio Vincoy Jr., Pfc. Gerald Yubal, Pfc. Jison Falcasantos, Pfc. Glend Resma, and Pfc. Jonas Lumayan.

These military personnel were killed while conducting pursuit and blocking operations against Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members at Brgy. Maligay in Patikul, Sulu on August 29, 2016.

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