President Rodrigo Duterte gave a P2 million reward to the soldiers who rescued Indonesian kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi, killing an Abu Sayyaf leader in the process.
In a ceremony held at the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters in Tawi-Tawi last Sunday, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana conferred medals to two ranking officers for their role in the rescue operation in March.
Sobejana awarded the Distinguished Navy Cross to Col. Nestor Narag, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, for leading the Fleet-Marine operation which led to the killing of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Majan Sahidjuan, alias “Apo Mike,” and two followers.
A Silver Cross Medal was awarded to the Special Intelligence Team under the 2nd Marine Brigade for providing intelligence information that led to successful military operations from March 19 to 24 in Tawi-Tawi.
“To the commanders, let us always strike a good balance on mission accomplishment and the morale and welfare of our soldiers,” Sobejana said.
The ceremony was also attended by Western Mindanao commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas.