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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Brawner honors soldiers hurt in Basilan clash

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored on Thursday the 12 Philippine Army soldiers who sustained serious injuries following a clash with rebels in Basilan this week.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presented the Wounded Personnel Medal to the soldiers for their “courage and heroism” during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) on January 23, 2025.

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Brawner honored the soldiers for their dedication and service, assuring them and their families of access to medical care and support to facilitate their recovery.

“Our soldiers are the backbone of our national defense, and the bravery demonstrated by these personnel exemplifies the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice,” Brawner said.

“The AFP stands firmly behind them, and we will ensure they are provided with the necessary resources for a full recovery,” he added.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the encounter took place Wednesday while troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel.

The UNDP team was involved in a peace and development project in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan.

Two soldiers were killed and 12 others were wounded after an encounter with two armed groups. One of the two groups is allegedly linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Brawner also visited the headquarters of the 101st Infantry Brigade accompanied by WesMinCom Commander Lt. General Antonio Nafarrete and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. General Leonardo Peña.

Brawner said the AFP remains committed to advancing the normalization program in the region to “address the root causes of conflict while ensuring that all actions remain within the bounds of law and peace mechanisms.” 

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