JOLO, Sulu — President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Sulu Friday to extend financial assistance to soldiers who were injured during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The President arrived in Jolo around 3 p.m. and proceeded to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital to visit the soldiers and personally hand over financial support.

Duterte pinned the Wounded Personnel medal to each of the 11 wounded-in-action troopers confined here in Camp Teodulfo Bautista.

Last Wednesday, soldiers from the Philippine Army clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf in a firefight at around 4:30 p.m. in Indanan, Sulu, wounding 11 government troopers.

Among the wounded infantrymen during Wednesday’s clash include Sgt. Marvin Oliveros, Pfc. Mac Allen Balderama, Pfc. Antonio Agliam Jr. Cpl. Julios Dupagan, Cpl. Robert Esperon, Cpl. Camilo Vertido, Pfc. Willam Reboya, Cpl. Erlie Gallebo, Sgt. Renato Geverola, Pfc. Joselito Begnalen, and Cpl. David Mark Antonly Leyno.

Few hours before the President’s arrival in Jolo, another group of soldiers had an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu, injuring 16 from the government side.

They are 2nd Lt. Rupert Cariaga, Pfc. Jayson Pendon, Cpl. Igzel Mercado, Cpl. Rogelio Bacnat, Pfc. Urselito Villarito, Pvt. Ruben Mutia, Pvt. Jerry Selgas, Pfc. Rolando Gamueta Jr., Cpl. Benjie Albarracin, Cpl. Al-Rashid Tiamwat, Jr., Pvt. Christian Leopoldo, Pvt. Morris Perez, Pvt. Julius Castillion, Pfc. Arvin Langi, Cpl. Bernardo Ortiz, Jr., and Pvt. Mark April Asistin.

While the President is visiting the wounded soldiers, two more wounded soldiers arrived from Patikul encounter, making the total wounded soldiers to 18. They are Pfc. Reynaldo Falcasantos and Pfc. Stephen Flores.###PND