Navy man injured in WPS awarded Order of Lapu-Lapu

The Philippine Navy servicemember who was hurt during the incident with China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) recently was awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan on Sunday.

Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo was given the award by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Facundo was seriously injured during the CCG's "intentional high-speed ramming" of a Philippine vessel during a rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on June 17. He lost a thumb.

The awarding was held during Marcos' Talk to Troops at the headquarters of the Western Command in Camp General Artemio Ricarte on Sunday morning.

Marcos also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi to 79 other military personnel who took part in the mission.

"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," Marcos said in his speech.

The President said the awardees will be looked after by the government.

"The government will continue to provide you all your needs and look after your welfare and your families’ welfare," Marcos said.

Aside from Facundo, six other soldiers were hurt and weapons were seized during the June 17 incident, a reliable source told GMA Integrated News.

Marcos said he felt "great relief" to see all the soldiers who took part in the June 17 RORE mission "back in home ground, safe and sound."

"I reassure you that you have the entire nation behind you, praying for your safety and praying for your success. The Filipino people is grateful for your dedicated service and to the families that support you," he said.

"Kayo ang halimbawa ng isang Bagong Pilipinas. Kayo ay isa sa aming inspirasyon para lalo pang pagbutihin ang aming sinumpaang tungkulin," Marcos added.

(You are examples of Bagong Pilipinas. You are one of our inspirations to continue doing good service.)

"To all of you, once again, well done! You have done good work, you have made the country proud, you have made the military proud. Keep up the good work!" he said.

During the Talk to Troops, Marcos said the country will not use force or intimidation or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone amid tensions in WPS. —KG, GMA Integrated News