11 fallen soldiers in Sulu clash airlifted to Villamor Air Base, receive military honors

The 11 soldiers who died in a clash against rebel group Abu Sayyaf in Sulu have been airlifted to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City Saturday night, Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said on Sunday.

“Sila po ay na-airlift na kagabi…Binigyan din namin po sila ng departure honors dito bago sila naisakay sa eroplano” he said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

The send-off ceremony was held at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City.

Army soldiers give a snappy salute on Saturday, April 18, 2020, to one of the 11 soldiers who were killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Friday. The Western Mindanao Command gave a send-off ceremony to eight of the 11 fallen soldiers on Saturday at Edwin Andrews Air Base in Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City before their remains were loaded onto a military aircraft for the flight to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.  Photo courtesy: Western Mindanao Command

“Sa Villamor Air Base, they’re accorded with military honors,” he added.

Eleven Army soldiers were killed while 14 other servicemen were wounded after an encounter between government troops and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Friday.

Sobejana described the killing of the soldiers as brutal.

The Philippine Army identified the 11 fallen soldiers as

1. 1st Lieutenant Rogelio Deligero Jr.
2. Staff Sergeant Jayzon Gazzingan
3. Corporal John Michael Manodom
4. Corporal Jomar Ninalga
5. Corporal Rasul Ao-as
6. Corporal Mark Dexter Montenegro
7. Corporal Ernesto Bautista Jr.
8. Private First Class Jomel Pagulayan
9. Private First Class Premark Vallecer
10. Private First Class Benson Bongguic
11. Private Jiydon Usman

"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.

While giving support to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, the military will continue its security operations, Sobejana said.

“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,” he said.

“Itong mga Abu Sayyaf, they continue sowing terror,” he added.

Malacañang condemned the attack. 

"The enemies of the State choose no date and occasion. They strike even during this time of great pandemic," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"But let this serve as a warning to all: Our authorities remain ready and prepared to crush the enemies of the government and quell any armed attack amid the existing state of calamity and public health emergency," he added.

The Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and Davao City government also issued statements condemning the attack and honoring the fallen soldiers for their bravery and service. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News