Army salutes fallen comrades
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The Philippine Army led by its commanding
general Lt Gen Delfin N Bangit rendered a salute and final honors to the
11 members of the 23rd Division Reconnaissance Company, who died in an
encounter with the New People's Army rebels in Oriental Mindoro, this
morning at the Philippine Army grandstand.
The families of the fallen comrades will receive death benefits and
financial assistance from the AFP. They will also receive monthly
pension, commutation of leave balances, insurances, and educational
grants.
"Maaaring sa iba, ang laban na ito ay malaking kabawasan, pero ito ay
tagumpay ng Philippine Army dahil napatunayan natin ang ating pagmamahal
sa bayan...After verifying reports of extortion, the troop decided to go
head on. They wasted no time and operated against the enemy larger than
their own force. We were able to suppress the continued extortion of the
NPA bandits," said Lt Gen Bangit.
The 11 brave soldiers were the first casualty in the Army's campaign for
credible elections. The combat operation on March 6 is primarily aimed
at thwarting the NPA's continued collection of "permit to campaign" (PTC)
fees. This is a fulfillment of the Army's commitment to safeguard the
votes of the citizens.
"Though we hardly felt the same sympathy from a lot of citizens, we will
never be cowed to protect the people, we stand firm in our dedication to
do this for the nation," the Army chief further added.
Lt Gen Bangit likewise said that the death of the 11 soldiers is a
fulfillment of the soldier's pledge to the Filipino people, "I am a
Filipino soldier. I will live and die in true Filipino tradition of
valor and honor, duty and loyalty."
After the arrival honors, the remains of the 11 soldiers were brought to
the Philippine Army gym. A mass will be held at 6 p.m., after which they
will be brought to their respective provinces where they would finally
be laid to rest. #
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