FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City (February 12, 2024) – President and Commander-in-Chief Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to soldiers who were wounded in a recent operation against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG), during his visit to the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., and Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, witnessed President Marcos personally award Gold Cross Medals and Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device to four combat-wounded troops, and handed over financial assistance to 12 wounded-in-action soldiers.

The feted soldiers from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion were injured during a series of firefights against DI-MG members on January 25 to 26 in Barangay Tapurong, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. Army troops successfully neutralized nine DI-MG members, including suspects in the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City on December 3, 2023.

President Marcos expressed deep gratitude to the brave soldiers for their sacrifice and dedication to maintaining peace and security in the nation. He also assured them of the government’s continued support to implement programs aimed at aiding battle casualties and enhancing the well-being of the AFP personnel and their families.