Militiaman’s death a great loss: Lamitan official

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Militiaman’s death a great loss: Lamitan official

Troops of the Army's 74th Infantry Battalion backed by militiamen inspect all inbound vehicles at the public market of Lamitan City, Basilan. The deployment of the troops is in response to the request of Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay. (Photo courtesy: Lamitan Kong Mahal social media page)

The death of militiaman Gerry Inso is a great loss for Lamitan City as far as maintenance of peace and order is concerned.

Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay on Friday issued this statement as he described Inso as a “warrior”, who was dedicated to his duty of being a peacekeeper.

Inso was one of the nine victims injured in a bomb explosion on July 31 at a militia detachment in Barangay Bulanting, Lamitan City.

A soldier and four other militiamen were killed instantly as they held the van, which exploded while a team of Army Scout Rangers from a nearby detachment arrived to help them inspect the vehicle.

Inso died on Tuesday night due to irreversible brain damage caused by massive blood loss. He fought for his life for seven days at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Furigay said Inso's remains arrived in Lamitan City on Friday morning aboard a commercial ferry from this city.

“The people here, including the city officials, are sad over the demise of Inso,” Furigay told Philippine News Agency by phone.

“We, the people of Lamitan, can never repay you. You have earned our undying gratitude. We will never forget your sacrifices,” Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as posted on her social media page.

Jumao-as is the founding president of the Save the Children of War-Basilan, a civic group that helps the children affected by war “so that their silent screams become the cheerful laughter of childhood.”

“Thank you for protecting us, your family and even the people you don't know” she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1044442