President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited two wounded Philippine Navy personnel at the Camp Ricarte Station Hospital inside the Western Command (Wescom) Headquarters following their injuries sustained during an aggressive encounter with the Chinese Coast Guard near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on July 20.

During the visit, Marcos personally checked on the condition of the two servicemen and recognized their bravery and sacrifice in defending the country’s sovereignty.

The two servicemen, Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Carmelo Aballe, 33, and Private Eric Lacida, 24, were injured while deployed aboard BRP Sierra Madre, which is stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

According to the Philippine Navy, Aballe sustained a head injury that required four stitches and remains in stable condition while undergoing continuous medical monitoring to determine whether medical evacuation would still be necessary.

Lacida suffered minimal abrasions on his hand and is likewise in stable condition, with no need for medical evacuation.

The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on Aballe and Lacida in recognition of their extraordinary service, exceptional bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s territorial interests.

Marcos also extended Special Financial Assistance amounting to P100,000 each to the two wounded Navy personnel.

The financial assistance is separate from the benefits provided under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP).

Under the approved guidelines, recipients of the special financial assistance will no longer be eligible to receive similar assistance under the CSBP. Presidential News Desk