Marcos awards soldier who lost a finger during an encounter with CCG

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner confers a wounded personnel medal to Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo, whose finger got cut off due to China Coast Guard’s action during the June 17 resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. (File photo from INQUIRER.net/JOHN ERIC MENDOZA)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the soldier who lost a finger after being with a group that encountered hostile Chinese sailors in their recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In his visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command in Palawan on Sunday, Marcos commended the troops for exercising restraint after the China Coast Guard rammed into their vessel.

READ: 8 PH Navy men injured; one had finger cut off

“So, in a simple gesture of gratitude, I will be joined by the Secretary of National Defense to award the Order of Lapu-Lapu in recognition of your recent actions in the recent reprovisioning efforts,” the chief executive said in his speech.

“Let me, of course, mention Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, who was harmed and injured in the recent incident,” he emphasized.

“So, as we award these medals, we remember that on June 17th, we made a conscious and deliberate choice to remain in the path of peace,” he said.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is awarded to government officials and personnel, as well as to private individuals, “in recognition of their invaluable or extraordinary service in furtherance of the President’s campaign or advocacy,” according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

It added that 79 others who joined the mission were awarded by Marcos the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi.

Aside from the award, the President likewise told the families of soldiers that government will look after their needs.