By GENALYN KABILING
during the wake at the Sto. Niño de Cebu Chapel in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Also in photo are PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and Secretary Bong Go. (Presidential photo)
PRESIDENT Duterte paid tribute to the five slain members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with a posthumous conferment of Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag.
The President went to the wake of the fallen PDEA agents in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao last Wednesday and extended his condolences to the families.
“President Duterte awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag to the victims’ family representatives, and also extended financial, burial, and employment assistance,” a Palace press statement read.
“The Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag is given to those who lost their lives in the line of pushing for a campaign of the President,” it added.
The PDEA agents were killed by unknown gunmen in Kapai, Lanao del Sur last Friday while they were on their way to Marawi City. The group just came from a dialogue with former drug dependents in Barangay Kianibong, Togoloan, Lanao del Sur.
Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said the families of the slain PDEA agents each received R20,000 in cash, R250,000 in check, and cellphone from the President.
