Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31) — President Rodrigo Duterte has given a ₱2-million reward to military units responsible for the March rescue of four abducted Indonesian nationals, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced on Monday.
AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the monetary award was the President’s way of recognizing the soldiers’ accomplishments, adding that the entire operation led to “substantial gains” against the Abu Sayyaf Group who were behind the kidnapping.
During the rescue in Tawi-Tawi, the military also killed ASG sub-leader Apo Mike and captured a number of other members, the AFP said.
According to Sobejana, the ₱2 million will go to the concerned units but will not be distributed among members.
It will be up to the unit commanders to decide how the money will be used for the team, he said, citing the purchase of more military equipment as an option. Asked if the reward can be spent to hold parties, he said this would be allowed as it can help boost the “morale” of the soldiers.
Sobejana added the gesture by the President is seen to help further encourage security forces to work harder in the campaign against all forms of lawlessness.
“If we have soldiers with a high state of morale, they will be more productive,” he said.
Aside from the cash award, the AFP said Duterte, through Sobejana, bestowed medals on Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Col. Nestor Narag, Jr. as well as the Special Intelligence Team under the Second Marine Brigade.
