Navy honors wounded Marines in Sulu attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has honored two Marines who were wounded after securing the safety of civilians during an attack staged by 50 Abu Sayyaf militants in Parang Sulu early this week.

Rear Admiral Jesus Millan, NFWM chief, personally pinned the medals to Sergeant Ramon Regodon Jr. and Private Junelroy Belmonte during a simple ceremony held at the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) in Romulo Espaldon base in this city.

The two soldiers were among the group of marines who protected the volunteers of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and personnel of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) from the deadly ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf group in sitio Bakud, Barangay Bid, Parang town, shortly before noon on Tuesday.

The group had just come from a tree planting activity when they came under attack in the populated area.

A Marine was killed in the attck.

Millan said the fallen Marine was also given honor before the remains were properly turned over early this week to the family.

The Navy official expressed his admiration to the two Marine personnel who were willing to risk their lives to preserve the safety of the civilians.

Capt. Rowena Muyuella, spokesperson of Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the military leadership also lauded the Marines for placing the safety of the civilian populace in the area.

Muyuella said that the ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf in Parang was part of the diversionary tactics of the militant group to ease the pressure applied by the Marines on its offensive against the other Abu Sayyaf faction in Talipao town.

Seven bandits have already been neutralied in the operations in Talipao.