Wednesday, April 10, 2019

NorMin troops honor unsung heroes, veterans in Valor Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10, 2019): NorMin troops honor unsung heroes, veterans in Valor Day


UNSUNG HERO. The children and grandchildren of Colonel Osito Bahian in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, pose with the monument of the late soldier during the "Araw ng Kagitingan" commemoration. Col. Bahian served as commanding officer of Army's 1107th Community Home Defence Center. (4ID Photo)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Various units under the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) commemorated the "Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)" on Tuesday by honoring the unsung heroes and veterans.

The 403rd Infantry Brigade (403IB) conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Colonel Osito Bahian in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, exactly 34 years after his death.

Bahian was honored through a 21-gun salute with the presence of his daughters Ann Lucille Bahian Adag and Aileen Marie Bahian Cruzado. His son, Colonel Robert Roy Bahian, now serving as Provincial Director of Camiguin Provincial Police Office, skipped the event due to another ceremony.

Born on October 7, 1929, the late Bahian hails from Tuburan, El Salvador City. He completed the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) curriculum and was commissioned in the reserve force of the Philippine Army.

He then became a teacher and later principal of Xavier de Initao High School before becoming an Instructor at San Isidro College in Malaybalay City. He was called to active duty and joined the Philippine Army on March 1, 1969.

Bahian once served as commandant of Central Mindanao University as Commanding Officer of 1107th Community Home Defense Center. A distinguished ROTC graduate, he excelled and served the Philippine Army well with his nationalism and patriotism nurtured by the ROTC program.

On April 9, 1985, while serving as commander of 30th Infantry Battalion, he was killed in an ambush by New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Tungao, Butuan City along with eight other army soldiers.

As a tribute to the fallen hero, the Batasang Pambansa promulgated Batas Pambansa Bilang 6724 on 27 April 1986 renaming the military reservation in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon into Camp Osito Bahian.

Bahian's heroism inspired his sons to join the uniformed service.

Col. Edgardo de Leon, 403IB commander, said of Bahian: "Thirty-four years ago, Colonel Bahian made the supreme sacrifice to show sincerity in peace negotiation. It is now up the NPA to reciprocate. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, bukas ang pinto ng Philippjne Army na tanggapin ang pagbabalik loob ng mga rebelde para sa pagbabagong buhay (then and now, the Philippine Army is open to any rebel who wants a new life)."

In this city, Mayor Oscar Moreno led the wreath-laying ceremony at El Pueblo A Sus Heroes, Divisoria, to honor Filipino war veterans.

In his message, Moreno called on Filipinos to "forget our divisiveness. Rather, let us focus on achieving inclusive growth. Let us not forget the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom".

Major Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander 4ID, said the Day of Valor should "serve as an inspiration to the present and future generations”.

“As members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we will carry on and continue to emulate the standards of valor that our forefathers have exemplified all throughout the world,” Gacal added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066984

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