ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) has awarded medal to two soldiers for gallantry in action against the Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Sulu.
Awarded with Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) were Private First Class (PFC) Faith Noel Andayan and PFC Norman Espiritu of the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.
Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander, led the awarding of medal to the two soldiers Friday as the country commemorate the “Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)”.
Gonzales said the two soldiers were wounded in a 15-minute clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits under the group of bandit leader Radulan Sahiron on Wednesday, April 7, in Barangay Lower Sinumaan, Patikul, Sulu.
Andayan, 26, a native of Apayao, was wounded at his upper right arm while, the 27-year old Espiritu, who is from Pangasinan, was wounded at his right leg.
“I’m sure the residents here in Sulu are also grateful for your service. Yes, you are physically wounded but your character will certainly grow stronger,” Gonzales told the two wounded soldiers.
Gonzales said the two, who are admitted at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, are scheduled to undergo surgery for extraction of lodged bullets.
Meanwhile, the respective families of Andayan and Espiritu felt relieved knowing that both are safe.
Gonzales said they are able to connect with each other through “Free WiFi for All” project of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). The DICT along with the 11ID launched the project on Thursday, April 8, at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu. – Nikolai Gonzalo
