Duterte gives slain Special Forces captain posthumous promotion

MANILA, Philippines -- President Duterte has promoted an Army captain slain last week in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan to the rank of major.

Duterte granted a posthumous promotion to the late Cpt. Clinton Capio during his visit to his wake in Fort Bonifacio Monday night. The president signed the recommendation for Capio’s promotion on the fallen officer’s coffin.

“At the Army level, there was a recommendation for promotion and it has to be confirmed by the president. Instead of waiting for the official papers, he (Duterte) approved the Army’s recommendation,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año told reporters in a chance interview.

“This is in recognition of his (Capio) heroic deeds so we called it a posthumous promotion... The president can approve it on the spot. What happened was an on-the-spot (promotion),” he added.

Capio, the commanding officer of the 1st Special Forces Company, was killed during a nine-hour encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan last Thursday. He was killed by a grazing shot to his right temple, according to military reports.  

During the wake, Duterte talked to Capio’s wife May Shiel and assured her of the prompt release of the benefits her family is entitled to. Capio’s daughter Esther May was also seen kissing Duterte's hand as a sign of respect.

Año said Capio’s family would receive a lump sum of about P2 million and a monthly pension. He said Capio’s daughter would also be granted a scholarship while his widow would be given a job.

Año said the military is continuously applying pressure against the Abu Sayyaf group, which was involved in several bombing and kidnapping incidents in Mindanao.

“It’s a matter of time until we end this war,” the military chief said.

Año said the strength of the Abu Sayyaf stands at 450 to 500, including their sympathizers.

“When you talk of regular hardcore (members), nasa 200 na lang yan (their strength is down to 200),” he added.

“For him (Duterte), there is no chance for negotiation for terrorists but they can surrender, go down and join mainstream society but as a group he does not want to negotiate with terrorists.