AFP top brasses honor Laguna hero
Armed Forces of the Philippines top brasses render military honors to
Private First Class Venancio V Ancheta, one of the Army soldiers who
offered his life during the rescue operations in Brgy Tunhak, Famy,
Laguna at the height of the onslaught of tropical depression Ondoy last
Saturday.
In a send off ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio,
Metro Manila today, AFP chief Gen Victor S Ibrado, AFP Vice Chief of
Staff Lt Gen Rodrigo F Maclang, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral
Emilio C Marayag, and Philippine Army Commanding General Lt Gen Delfin N
Bangit, bestowed awards and recognition to Pfc Ancheta for his ultimate
sacrifice of offering his life for others.
Marilou Ancheta, Pfc Ancheta's wife received the Bronze Cross Medal
Award (Posthumous) along with his posthumous promotion to Corporal for
his heroic feat of saving 20 residents in the flood-stricken barangay in
Famy, Laguna, risking his own safety just to accomplish his mission.
The Philippine Army salutes Pfc Ancheta's heroism that served as an
inspiration to his teammates who were able to save more than 600
individuals during said rescue mission. Pfc Ancheta belongs to the
disaster response team of the 2nd Infantry Division that responded to
affected residents of Brgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna last Saturday. Pfc
Ancheta was carrying the 20th rescued civilian in his back when he was
hit by a log. He was able to bring the man on his back to safety before
he was swept away by the flood current.
"Here lies another man who showed us what love is at its supreme
expression - dying for other... Another hero who joined the ranks of
many among us who served without reservation. Another life lived to be
consumed by his burning desire to ensure that his fellowmen are safe,"
said Lt Gen Bangit.
The Philippine Army extended special financial assistance amounting to
P100,000 to Pfc Ancheta's family and a scholarship benefit from the AFP
Educational Benefit System. Though no amount of monetary reward or
recognition could ease the family's suffering brought about by the loss
of their loved one, the Philippine Army would want to show its deepest
thanks for Pfc Ancheta's supreme sacrifice.
"Pfc. Venancio Ancheta is the name that will live in the hearts of the
20 people that he saved. And it is the life whose meaning will keep the
flame of heroism alive in all of us," Lt Gen Bangit said further.
The 27-year old Laguna hero is survived by his wife Marilou. His remains
will be brought to his hometown in Upper Calarian, Zambonga City where
he will be finally laid to rest. #
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