Duterte confers Order of Lapu-Lapu on soldier killed in Samar clash

Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

Posted at Aug 27 2019 01:07 PM

Duterte confers Order of Lapu-Lapu on soldier killed in Samar clash 1
President Rodrigo Duterte posthumously confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag on 2nd Lt. Geroe Nicor as the commander-in-chief visits the late soldier's wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, August 26, 2019. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag on a soldier killed in a clash with communist rebels, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Duterte conferred the award on 2nd Lt. Geroe Jade Nicor on National Heroes' Day when he visited the latter's wake at the mortuary of the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag is awarded to Filipinos who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

Duterte confers Order of Lapu-Lapu on soldier killed in Samar clash 2
President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with the family of the late 2nd Lt. Geroe Nicor as he visits the wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 26, 2019. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo

Nicor was killed during an encounter with the NPA in Calbayog City, Samar last Aug. 23. Another soldier, Army Cpl. Joelito Canico, was also slain in the firefight. 

After visiting the soldier's wake, the President lit a candle in front of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and spoke with soldiers.