A WOUNDED soldier was honored and received cash assistance during the celebration of National Heroes Day in Metro Davao Research and Medical Center on Aug. 31.
Mayor Sara Duterte visited and handed over cash assistance to Sgt. Rex Marvin A. Lumanda who was wounded during the Aug. 26 clash with members of New People’s Army in Paquibato District, resulting in one death on the rebels’ side.
The mayor extended her gratitude to the men and women of the 27th IB, especially to Lumandas.
“Salamat sa imohang sakripisyo para dinhi sa Davao City (Thank you for your sacrifice for Davao City),” she said.
1Lt. Gen. Adrian Gautane, the civil-military operations officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said the clash transpired after the troops of 27th Infantry Battalion received a tip from the residents of Paquibato District about the presence of the NPA in their community.
He said the recognition, in time for the National Heroes Day, has further boosted the morale of the troops.
Lt. Col. Victorino Seño, the commander of the 27IB, thanked the local government and the chief executive for recognizing the sacrifices of the soldiers.
The 27th IB was under 1002nd Infantry Brigade of 10th Infantry division that was formerly based at Tupi South Cotabato but was transferred to Arakan, North Cotabato last May.
On July, the battalion then replaced the 16th IB based in Panabo City while the 16th IB was transferred to Arakan.
The 27IB covers the 11 barangays of Paquibato district, nine barangays of Calinan (Megkawayan, Saloy, Lamanan, Inayangan, Dominga, Dalagdag, Lampianao, Panyan, and Lacson), seven in Buhangin ( Callawa, Acacia, Indangan, Tigatto, Cabantian, Waan, Mandug), two in Bunawan ( Gatungan and Mahayag), Magtuod in Talomo, four in Marilog ( Gumitan, East portion of Bantol, Tamugan, and Malamba), three in Tugbok district ( New Valencia, Talandang and New Carmen).
Duterte also honored all the frontliners as she described them as the new breed of heroes.
“As we celebrate our National Heroes’ Day during the time of a COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to emphasize our all-out support and gratitude to all the health and non-health frontliners who toil every day in our hospitals, facilities, checkpoints and wherever they are needed. It is your hardwork that makes our city stand-up against this relentless virus,” she said.
The mayor added that everyone could become modern-day heroes by simply abiding by the minimum health protocols set by the Department of Health.
The first is to stay at home, as we are under quarantine. If one must go outside for work or essential needs such as food and medicine, wear the face mask properly, observe social distancing, and wash hands regularly.
