Duterte Meets Blind Soldier; Tough Talking Philippine President Gets Teary-Eyed and Emotional at the Meeting
Newly-elected President Duterte visits military hospital to improve the morale of troops.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center and the Western Mindanao Command hospital in Zamboanga City as a part of his tour of military health facilities and military camps in the country. But it was in the AFP Medical Center that the newly-elected president felt how it really feels like to defend the country and get injured in the line of fire.
August 2, the President was teary eyed whenmeeting a young soldier who has lost his eyesight in a clearing operation at Brgy. Datu Salita in Maguidanao in March. 2nd Lieutenant Jerome Jacuba could not keep his tears from falling as President Duterte approached him and shook his hand. The President pulled the soldier and hugged him. Jacuba could be seen shaking during the encounter.
President Duterte had tears in his eyes and was later seen emotional after the hug ended.
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Army physician Dr. William Recuenco said that 28-year old Jacuba suffered severe injuries affecting his vision. An improvised explosive device exploded in front of Jacuba causing his right eye to rupture and his left eye was severely damaged. The soldier is unable to see except for some light impressions. Recuenco also said that Jacunda will not be able to recover his vision. He is currently learning how to read Braille.
Bravery rewarded
President Duterte has always used the exemplary performance and the risks of solders in battle in his speeches especially in front of soldiers. Jacuba's bravery may surely be a tale to tell for the president as the soldier's bravery will soon be rewarded with a promotion. Jacuba is soon to receive the rank of First Lieutenant.
Compassionate President
Jacuba is just one of the 69 soldiers confined in the AFP Medical Center who are being treated for injuries that they have suffered during their battle in Mindanao. Aside from Jacuba, the President has also conversed and interacted with other wounded soldiers in the Western Mindanao Command Hospital.
Showing his compassion for the military and his efforts to improve the department, Duterte has visited 6 military camps in just 9 days. He gave pep-talks and speeches to troops and met with military officials as well.
In most of his visits, he mentioned his support for the Armed Forces and promised that he would provide all that they need to support the country in battle.
