Laguna hero laid to
rest
Another soldier who died rescuing civilians at the height of the
onslaught of tropical depression Ondoy, is finally laid to rest today in
Tanay, Rizal, with military honors.
Army chief Lt Gen Delfin N Bangit personally condoled with the family of
Cpl Regua who died saving lives in Mabitac, Laguna, while his wife and
two children were also being saved by his fellow soldiers in their home
at Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal last Saturday.
Cpl Regua was awarded the Bronze Cross Medal and was posthumously
promoted to Sergeant during his interment at the Haven of Rest in Tanay,
Rizal.
Sheryl Regua, Cpl Regua's wife, received the award, as well as the
special financial assistance from the Philippine Army. His two
daughters, aged seven years old and 10 months old, were given
scholarship grants from the AFP Educational Benefit System.
Cpl Regua is part of the team who first responded to the flood-stricken
areas in Sitio Johnson, Brgy Nanguma, Mabitac, Laguna last Saturday. It
was reported that Cpl Regua died in an attempt at rescuing one of his
men from being swept away by the current but, in the end, both of them
were carried away by the strong flood, drowning them. The Philippine
Army suffered six casualties from the disaster response team, Cpl Regua
being one of them and five CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs), in exchange
of the 200 lives saved.
Sheryl recounts his husband's heroism saying, "Ang kunswelo ko lang,
namatay syang nagseserbisyo. Iyon naman talaga ang gusto nya."
"It is very difficult for a commander to lose such a valiant soldier,"
said an emotional Maj Gen Jorge Segovia, 2nd Infantry Division
commander.
Meanwhile, the body of Pfc Venancio Ancheta who also died while saving
lives in Famy, Laguna, is now in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga and will be
laid to rest on October 10.
The Philippine Army will forever remember the supreme sacrifice of its
soldiers - dying in order that others may live.
"We know that this is not the end. In the raging floodwaters in the
future, many will still risk their lives. In the disruption of peace in
our land, many will still choose to stand for others - as long as there
are voices crying out for help, and as long as we see them as part of
our selves," Lt Gen Bangit said. # |
