DWDD: UPDATE II AFP mourns the death of 18 Soldiers Dead, 53 Others Wounded in Tipo-tipo Encounter

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 10): UPDATE II AFP mourns the death of 18 Soldiers Dead, 53 Others Wounded in Tipo-tipo Encounter



Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines mourns the death of 18 soldiers as the nation salute their bravery and heroism in paying the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and our people.

The Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) says at least 18 soldiers and five militants have been killed during a clash between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf (ASG) on Saturday (April 9) in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

The following are the names of the fallen heroes:
1) 1LT REMEGIO B LICENA PA
2) SSg Makin B Jarani PA
3) Sgt Jayson Alani Inf PA,44IB
4) Sgt Paterno G Oquino PA
5) Sgt Akhad M Usman PA
6) Cpl Rodelio Bangcairin PA
7) Cpl Rodel Perolino PA
8) Cpl Dionisio L Labial PA
9) Cpl Rakib Kadil PA
10) Cpl Reezvi Arshcelo H Gandawali PA
11)  Cpl Noel R Else PA
12)  Cpl Darius Bulan PA
13)  Cpl Ibrahim Palao PA
14)  Pfc Kevin Rey S Verano PA
15)  Pvt Dunemark Gil Saldivar PA
16) Pfc Marjun Duhaylungsod Inf PA
17) Pfc Marjohri G Monte Inf PA
18) Pfc Doren A Aspurias Inf PA

Meanwhile, in a press briefing on Sunday morning (April 10), WesMinCom spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan said more than 50 other soldiers were wounded in the nearly 10-hour gunbattle that resulted in one of the biggest casualties suffered by government forces in a single day in recent years.

A similar encounter in Al Barka, also in Basilan, in 2011 left 19 government troops dead.

Tan said the militants who were killed included a suspected foreign terrorist, Moroccan national Mohammad Khattab, and Ubaida Hapilon, the son of Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon.

“Soldiers of Joint Task Group Basilan conducting military operations in Basilan province encountered more or less 120 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama.”

Full military honors will be accorded to these soldiers in line with the time honored tradition of the AFP. Also, all military camps will fly the flag at half-mast as the nation mourns their death and in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice for the country.

The AFP assured the families of the bereaved soldiers of the benefits that they will be receiving.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50960-2/