‘Daredevil’ captain killed saving comrade in Marawi receives AFP’s highest honor

The captain who sacrificed his life to save a comrade in Maraw City was posthumously awarded by President Rodrigo Duterte the Philippines' highest military honor.

Captain Rommel Sandoval, the commanding officer of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, was bestowed the Medal for Valor on Wednesday during the 82nd anniversary of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo. The award was received by his wife, Maria Ana Rosario Sandoval.

The late captain was cited for having "distinguished himself in combat as he displayed extraordinary courage, bravery, sterling leadership, and professionalism by offering the greatest sacrifice of giving his life to a fellow comrade, thereby keeping with the finest tradition of soldiery."

Duterte also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Magalong Medal to Sandoval.

On September 10, Sandoval's group was trapped inside the Land Bank building located at the Marawi central business district.

According to Captain Erwin Arcilla, Sandoval wanted to save a wounded soldier at the ground floor of the building.

"Ang dami na rin kasing tama ng team leader niya. Gusto niya agad makuha. Bumaba siya kasi malapit siya dito," Arcilla said.

When he went down, local terrorists fired shots and killed him.

"In-assault niya para makuha niya. Tinamaan siya while doing it tapos nung tinatamaan siya, tinakpan niya 'yung kasama niya," said Lt. Col. Samuel Yunque.

"Talagang grabe 'yung taas ng tingin namin kay sir. Sa heroism na ginawa niya," Arcilla added.

Duterte also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 27 other soldiers who fought the ISIS-inspired Maute group and the New People's Army. — MDM, GMA News