Arroyo promotes troops involved in killing of Janjalani

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday night gave spot promotions to troops involved in the September 2006 clash in Patikul, Sulu that led to the death of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani. Hosting a dinner at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang, the President also gave monetary rewards to the soldiers also involved in the campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA). A platoon of Marine soldiers led by 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga engaged about 200 Abu Sayyaf members in a remote village in Patikul town on September 4 last year, leading to the death of the bandit leader. “The President was very glad that the counter-terrorism and for that matter, the counter-insurgency campaign against the NPA is moving forward and smoothly," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters shortly after sending off the President at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday morning. Mrs Arroyo is on a three-day visit to Switzerland and is expected to be back on January 28. A total of 78 soldiers were given "meritorious promotion" on Wednesday night for their roles in capturing the Magdalo rebel soldiers and former Senator Gregorio Honasan, and for successful campaigns against the New People's Army and the Abu Sayyaf group that led to the deaths of Janjalani and Abu Solaiman. "Remnants na lang sila (Abu Sayyaf). Retaso na lang sila dahil sa inyo. Nakuha ninyo ang ulo nila," Arroyo told the soldiers, whom she credited for having "secured the road to peace and security." "As we weaken the terrorist cells and drive the revolutionary left to strategic defeat, we will continue to consolidate the Filipino people in the greater fight against poverty, disease, ignorance and injustice," she said. Kenney, who was also present during the recognition ceremonies, said the US is still working on the reward money that will be given to informants who tipped the military on the whereabouts of Janjalani and Solaiman. Cpl. Raul Suacillo was promoted two ranks higher to Staff Sergeant for killing Abu Solaiman in Mt. Dajo in Talipao, Sulu province on Jan. 16. The five soldiers responsible for the death of Janjalani and other Abu Sayyaf members were also promoted and given plaques of appreciation. They were: Maj. Romulo Quemado, 1Lt. Ranny de Guzman and 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga, all from the Marines; and 1Lt. Almirante Mijares and Maj. Marceliano Teofilo, from the Army. Also recognized were S/Sgt. Jose Patricio and Cpls. Enrico dela Cruz and Richard Celestino, who died during the operations against Janjalani’s group. Their families received P100,000 each. The soldiers were treated to dinner and the lucky ones went home with raffle prizes.- GMANews.TV