President Duterte has conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the soldiers who were killed and wounded in a military airplane crash in Sulu on Sunday.

Duterte made the visit to the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) in Zamboanga City a day after the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 plane crashed in Patikul, killing 50 of its 96 passengers.

Upon arrival, President Duterte visited Camp Navarro General Hospital to award the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kampilan to the soldiers who were wounded in the mishap. Afterward, he proceeded to the Naval Forces for Western Mindanao to lead the symbolic conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kalasag to the soldiers who were killed in the crash.

Based on Executive Order (EO) No. 35 signed by Duterte on July 28, 2017, the Order of Lapu-Lapu Kampilan and Kalasag medals are awarded to officials and personnel of the government, as well as private individuals, who were seriously wounded or suffered great loss of property and to those who lost their lives, in the pursuit of the President’s campaign or advocacy.

In his speech, a visibly morose President Duterte said he was in deep sorrow as he commiserated with the soldiers.

"Noong ibinalita sa akin (When I heard the news), as usual, I go into a process of sorrow. More than anybody else kasi pareho tayo (because we are the same)," he said.

"The life of a soldier is always valuable, whether in the fields of fighting or events such as this," he added.

Duterte assured the soldiers and the family of the victims that the government will support them.

"They died for our country, and for that, I am very grateful to those who died and those who suffered, and are still suffering now. Gusto ko lang malaman niyo (I want you to know), we will extend all help," he said.

"The best that we can really do, the most important thing, is that itong namatay (those who died), that they shall not have died in vain," he added.

According to the President, he wanted to pour in more funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"Sa panahon ko (During my time), I assure you, I will add more benefits," he said.

"'Yan lang ang mabawi ko sa sundalo ko, lalo na yung namatay (This is the only way I can repay my soldiers, especially those who died)-- that their families will be protected, will be comfortable, daily living education children will be assured," he added.

President Duterte did not take too much and decided to cut his speech short, saying he would bawl if he continued.

"As Commander-in-Chief ako yung pinaka nasasaktan (I am the one who is hurt the most). I am at a loss of words so I will end up here or else I will end up crying also," he said.