President Duterte on Monday met the families of the soldiers who were killed during the twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu and in an encounter with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, also in Sulu.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed that Duterte had a private meeting at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City with the families of the five soldiers killed-in-action in an encounter with the ASG in Patikul last Feb. 2.
The President also met with the kin of a soldier killed in the bombing incident in Jolo last Jan. 27.
According to the Palace official, Duterte extended his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers who were also recognized for their sacrifice. He also assured them that the government will give them assistance.
“The President condoled with the bereaved families and honored the fallen soldiers for their heroism by awarding them the Order of Lapu Lapu, Rank of Kalasag,” Panelo said. “He comforted the grieving families and assured them of the government’s assistance in terms of housing, livelihood, employment, and educational assistance, among others,” he added.
Panelo said Duterte was joined by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, and Philippine
Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.
Duterte also visited the wake of Solona Torralba Canoy, wife of former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Reuben Canoy in Barangay Causwagan, Cagayan de Oro. Solona passed away last Feb. 3 due to cardiac arrest. She was 94.
Malacañang said Duterte arrived at the Canoy residence at 8:05 p.m. and talked to the family members for more than an hour.
In 2018, Duterte appointed Canoy as a member of the Consultative Committee tasked to review the 1987 Constitution. Canoy, a lawyer by profession, is the founder of the Radio Mindanao Network.
Official Palace photos also showed that Duterte also visited the wake of the late Olivia Paras, wife of Labor Undersecretary Jacinto Paras, at the Heritage Park in Taguig City Tuesday night. (Argyll Geducos)