Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Sunday paid tribute to the soldiers killed and wounded during an encounter with lawless elements in Tuburan, Basilan on April 11.
Galido, along with Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, visited the wake of Sgt. Reymark Bation and Cpl. Jordan Daquipel of the 18th Infantry Battalion at St. Peter Funeral Homes in Zamboanga City, according to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.
“It is with deep sorrow and utmost respect that we honor the ultimate sacrifice of our brave soldiers who died protecting the people of Basilan. We strongly condemn this heinous act and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for our fallen heroes,” Galido said.
Galido also visited Cpl. Richivie Flores at West Metro Medical Center and awarded him the Wounded Personnel Medal for his courage and service. Flores is now recovering after undergoing emergency surgery.
Dema-ala emphasized the Army’s commitment to the morale and welfare of its personnel, stating that “special financial assistance” was already given to the families of the fallen soldiers and that full support is being extended to the recovering trooper.
“The Army, in close cooperation with the Philippine National Police, are conducting intensified checkpoint operations in the area. Moreover, our troops conducted pursuit operations to go after these lawless elements,” Dema-ala added.
