ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido has vowed justice for two soldiers who died during an ambush by a group of armed men in Tuburan town in Basilan over the weekend.
Galido, who visited the wake of the slain soldiers at a funeral home in Zamboanga City last Sunday, condemned the attack against troops of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion.
The soldiers – Sgt. Reymark Bation and Cpl. Jordan Daquipel –were travelling on two motorcycles when they were waylaid by the “lawless elements” in Barangay Dugaa.
The attack also resulted in the wounding of Cpl. Richivie Flores. He is still confined at the West Metro Medical Center in Zamboanga City. Galido also visited Flores at the hospital on Sunday.
“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,” said Galido, adding: “We strongly condemn this heinous act and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for our fallen heroes.”
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) who accompanied Galido during his visit, also made the commitment to bring justice to the soldiers.
“To the heartless perpetrators behind this attack — you have not broken our resolve. You have only strengthened our commitment to protect the communities of Basilan. Justice will come, and we will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
He said the soldiers faced danger “not for glory but out of duty, a duty to protect our people, to secure our land, and to uphold peace in Basilan.”
“Their sacrifices are a solemn reminder of the price we sometimes pay to protect peace. The fallen will always be remembered with honor, and the wounded will never walk the path to recovery alone,” said Nafarrete.
In a statement, Westmincom said it is working with authorities to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack.
“Security operations have been intensified in the area to ensure
