Slain Ilonggo soldiers to be given heroes’ burial
The four Ilonggo soldiers who were among the 23 soldiers killed in battle with the Abu Sayyaf last Wednesday in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan will be given heroes’ burial during their respective interments.
Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, Chief of the 32nd Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Visayas said these fallen soldiers deserve our highest admiration and honors.
“Their heroic deeds where they sacrificed their lives resulted to the successful overran by the government forces of the enemy camp in Basilan,” said Marquez.
Marquez identified the four Ilongo soldiers who were killed as Private First Class Daryl Dave Toroy of Brgy. Barroc, Tigbauan; Sergeant Renon Encilla Jr. of Barangay Dapdap, Tigbauan; Corporal Rey Guaza of Barangay Lanjagan, Ajuy; and Private Joemar Trompeta of San Dionisio.
The bodies of the four soldiers arrived in Iloilo aboard C-130 of the Philippine Air Force last Saturday from Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also paid tribute to the 23 fallen soldiers and condoled with the families when she went to Zamboanga City last Saturday.
During her visit, according to a Malacañang report, President Arroyo gave each of the slain soldier’s family P250,000 cash while soldiers who suffered major wounds got P100,000 each and those with minor injuries, P50,000 each.
Aside from the financial assistance from the President, Marquez said families of the soldiers who were killed will also receive burial and cash assistance from the AFP. Further, a scholarship program will be given to the qualified children of the fallen soldiers. (PIA)