President Marcos on Sunday bestowed the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kampilan award to Philippine Navy Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, the serviceman who was seriously injured in the June 17 maritime confrontation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Facundo was among the group of 80 soldiers deployed to conduct a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, where members of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels engaged them in an “intentional high-speed ramming” incident.
The awarding was held during Marcos’ ‘Talk to Troops’ activity at the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command in Camp General Artemio Ricarte, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sunday morning.
Marcos also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi to 79 other military personnel who took part in the mission.
“As we award these medals, we remember that on June 17th, we made a conscious and deliberate choice to remain in the path of peace,” Marcos said in his speech. “The government will continue to provide you with all your needs and look after your welfare and your families’ welfare.”
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Jr. last week conferred Facundo the “wounded personnel award” after visiting the sailor in Palawan.
The sailor also assured the government that he is willing to serve in the WPS after the ramming incident.
“Basta may order tayo, babalik tayo (As long as we have the order, we will go back there),” Facundo said.