Westmincom gives medals to wounded soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Army officer and four other soldiers wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday have been awarded with medals.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, pinned the wounded personnel medals on 2Lt. Ceasar Exequiel Lipana, S/Sgt. Jerwin Uday and Pvts. Bernard Beyag and Gener Bareo when he visited them at the Camp Navarro General Hospital on Friday.

 The soldiers clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Latih.

Cpl. Edgardo Rebotasa of the 15th Scout Ranger Company, who was wounded in an encounter in Barangay Bakong, also in Patikul, on Feb. 23, was conferred the same award.

The soldiers also received incentives from Westmincom.

Sobejana said four other troopers confined at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo would receive the same medals and incentives.