President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Palawan to personally recognize two wounded Philippine Navy personnel and lead key local infrastructure and relief projects.
During a visit to Camp Ricarte Station Hospital in Puerto Princesa City, the President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu—a high national honor awarded for outstanding service and bravery in defense of the country—upon the two recovering sailors.
In addition to the military commendation, Marcos provided each service member with ₱100,000 in financial aid, expressing gratitude for their courage and reaffirming the administration’s steadfast backing of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The hospital visit carries significant weight amidst heightened maritime tensions with Beijing following a confrontation near Ayungin Shoal. Philippine Navy troops sustained injuries during the encounter while operating inside the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The incident sparked swift political and diplomatic action across Manila. Marcos previously summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañang Palace to demand measures preventing future altercations and to push for a constructive “reset” in bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, official statements of condemnation were issued by the Executive branch, the Department of National Defense (DND), the AFP, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), all reiterating that violent actions against Filipino personnel carrying out lawful duties will not be tolerated.
Just days prior to his trip to Palawan, the President delivered a resolute stance on the West Philippine Sea during the AFP change of command ceremony.
“We seek cooperation, but we will never compromise our sovereignty. We extend friendship to all, but we will never abandon our national dignity,” Marcos declared.
Beyond his engagements with the military, President Marcos inaugurated the ₱886-million Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, marking the completion of the province’s largest irrigation facility, and oversaw the distribution of rice aid to thousands of local families across Puerto Princesa City.