MGen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion, visited soldiers wounded in a recent clash with armed lawless elements in Maimbung, Sulu, and conferred on them the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) on August 16.
The wounded personnel — Cpl. Richard S. Sayno, Cpl. Harol B. Ugay, and Pfc. Aldwin Renz S. Dindin — were airlifted from Sulu the same evening and are now undergoing treatment at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City. Another soldier, Pfc. Jumel M. Tambo-ong, is recovering at the Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.
“The heroism of our soldiers is beyond measure. Despite the risks, they stood their ground to ensure the safety of the people of Sulu,” Peña said. He added that the medals are only a small recognition of the troops’ courage and sacrifice.
The Army said the 11th Infantry Division remains committed to supporting its wounded personnel, assuring them and their families of continued assistance during recovery.
The clash in Sulu highlights the continuing challenges faced by government forces in addressing threats posed by armed lawless groups in Mindanao.
