News Release

President Duterte honors army soldier killed in Sulu blast

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pays his last respects to the late Corporal Richard Macabadbad as he visits the wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani Mortuary in Taguig City on June 30, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday evening condoled with the family of an army soldier who perished following the bombing of a military camp in Sulu on Friday.

President Duterte arrived at 11:20 p.m. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani Mortuary in Fort Bonifacio to pay his last respects to Cpl. Richard Macabadbad and to offer his sincere condolences to his family.

Corporal Macabadbad, 33, died with two other soldiers after a bomb went off at the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu.

Three other civilians were also killed, including the two suspected attackers. Twenty-two were wounded during Friday’s incident. The Islamic State (IS) was reported to have claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at the Sulu military camp.

Recognizing Macabadbad’s dedication to service, the Chief Executive also posthumously confers on Macabadbad the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag. The award is given to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

President Duterte stayed for an hour and also visited the other wakes in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The remains of Corporal Macabadbad will be buried on July 12. PND