Iriberri honors wounded soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Wounded soldiers received medals and commendation directly from Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hernado Iriberri last Friday.

Iriberri, who made his first visit here, personally pinned a medal to three wounded soldiers confined at the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH).

Two of the soldiers were among the seven army troopers wounded during the offensive operation Wednesday against the Abu Sayyaf group in the mountain of Sitio Marang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan town, Sulu.

“It is difficult to have such medal,” said Iriberri, who later admitted he has not received one in his combat carrier.

At least 15 militants were killed in the assault that led to the rescue of the two Philippine Coast Guard personnel.

The other soldier was a junior officer, who was also wounded in the encounter against a separate group of Abu Sayyaf in Upper Baiwas, Sumisip town, Basilan.

“Seeing the wounded soldiers made me feel proud as they show their dedication in our campaign to bring peace in this area,” Iriberri told the troops during his ‘talk to the men’ on the ground forces.

Iriberri lauded the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero for its successful campaign against the Abu Sayyaf insurgents.

Iriberri expressed optimism about the military’s ongoing campaign of pressuring the Abu Sayyaf group to release the rest of the hostages.

The military believed less than ten are being held captive by the militants in Sulu, who include five foreigners, a town mayor, among others.