Duterte honors slain CamSur soldiers

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte commiserates with the relatives of one of the slain police officers during his visit at the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office in Naga City on October 23, 2018. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte shared his condolences by attending the funeral of one of the three police officers slain at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office on Tuesday, October 23.

As Duterte visited the grieving spouses of SPO1 Percival Rafael, PO3 Carlito Navarroza, and PO1 Ralph Jason Vid, he reported that he is honoring the men with the Rank of Kalasang, conferring with the Order of Lapu-Lapu. This special award is for those who died in uniform for their country as they perform their duties in protection.

With this, Duterte also assured the families of the three murdered that he will provide financial assistance, scholarship, and employment as they deal with the loss of their loved ones. As he spoke to Rafael, Navarroza, and Vid’s families, he made no public statements and chose to keep the conversations private.

Director Elouisa “Biet” Pastor of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bicol shared photos of Duterte with CNN Philippines and told them, “The mission was to make the bereaved family of the slain police officers… feel the government is there for them through the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program led by no less than the President himself.” 

As Duterte went around to offer his sympathies, he was accompanied by Food and Drug Administration chief Nela Charade Puno, Special Assistant Christopher Go, and Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Oscar Albayalde.

The police officers were killed last Thursday, October 18 in Lupi, Camarines Sur as they escorted Puno. It was initially suspected that the attack was by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, but confirmation came from Norben Gruta Command who takes full responsibility. The Palace responded that they’re upset over the lack of sincerity in peace talks with communist rebel groups.