Wounded soldier gets medal

CEBU, Philippines - A wounded soldier in Negros Oriental received the Wounded Personnel Medal yesterday in his hospital bed.

 Private First Class Roilo Anadia was personally awarded by Lt. Col. Pio Diñoso III, Commanding Officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army which is based in Siaton Town, in the southern part of the province.

Anadia was part of a team conducting "Operation Bayanihan" in Barangay Tayak of Siaton.

Anadia and his fellow soldiers were repainting a basketball court when alleged members of New People's Army opened fire at them.

According to Anadia the firefight lasted about twenty minutes during which he was shot in the foot and left arm.

He said despite what happened to him he will still continue to serve the country by maintaining peace and order.

Aside from the medal he also received cash assistance and crutches to help him walk after his recovery. (FREEMAN)