By Priam Nepomuceno

WE GIVE YOU OUR SUPPORT. Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, visits a wounded soldier recuperating at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City on Feb. 7, 2025. Galido assured all the injured troops that the appropriate support would be provided to them to ensure their immediate recovery. (Photo courtesy of the Western Mindanao Command)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday announced that its commander, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, visited troops wounded in the Jan. 22 Basilan ambush and assured them that they would be provided all the needed support for their recovery even as he lauded their courage and heroism.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesperson, said Galido visited the recovering troops at Camp Navarro General Hospital, Calarian, Zamboanga City on Feb. 7.

“The Army Chief ensured that they are provided with appropriate support and medical attention,” he added.

Galido also visited other wounded troops admitted to private hospitals in Zamboanga City and those under the medical care of Basilan Medical Center in Basilan.

It can be recalled that the PA chief, upon assuming command of the Army in 2023, emphasized that his command guidance is centered on mission accomplishment and troop morale and welfare.

“As we fulfill our mandate, let us place equal emphasis on keeping our troops’ morale high, especially for those who are accomplishing their missions. Ensure that individual privileges are served upon fulfilling the requirements of their work. In doing so, we are preserving not just the spirit of our troops but also of their loved ones,” Galido said.

At least 12 soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were wounded while two others were killed in the ambush that was perpetrated by lawless elements in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip town, Basilan last Jan. 22.

At the time, these troopers were providing security to a United Nations Development Programme personnel engaged in a crucial peace and development in the area. (PNA)