THE remains of eight soldiers who were killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sulu were brought to Manila and accorded traditional military honors by ranking military officials upon arrival at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Saturday evening, April 18.
The remains of three other soldiers who were also slain in the same encounter were brought to their families in Mindanao and Visayas.
The 11 soldiers were killed in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on April 17. Fourteen other soldiers were wounded.
They were 1st Lieutenant Rogelio Deligero Jr., Staff Sergeant Jayzon Gazzingan, Corporal John Michael Manodom, Corporal Jomar Ninalga, Corporal Rasul Ao-as, Corporal Mark Dexter Montenegro, Corporal Ernesto Bautista Jr., Private First Class Jomel Pagulayan, Private First Class Premark Vallecer, Private First Class Benson Bongguic and Private Jiydon Usman.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief, said the soldiers were brutally killed.
"These brave soldiers had left us physically but their heroism will remain in our hearts forever," Sobejana said in a statement.
"We pray for the eternal repose of their souls and for strength for the bereaved families," he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has vowed to provide assistance and benefits to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Security operations have continued amid the government's battle against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) epidemic in the country.
"Sustain po 'yung ginagawa nating security operations. Ito nga to front nga 'yung in-address natin ngayon while we support local government units and the other agencies of the government in the fight against the COVID-19," Sobejana said.
"Itong mga Abu Sayyaf, they continue sowing terror," he added.
Among those who rendered traditional arrival honors for the soldiers were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff Felimon Santos Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Gilbert Gapay and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Allen Paredes.
Malacañang, the Philippine National Police and local government units condemned the attack staged by the Abu Sayyaf. (VoxPop Philippines)