Army honors slain Negros soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 25): Army honors slain Negros soldiers

The Philippine Army honored yesterday the six Negrense soldiers and 159 others, who lost their lives while liberating Marawi from the control of the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group.

The six Negrense soldiers are 2Lt. Macglen Abuyabor of Bais City, Negros Oriental, PFC Nielbert Dedales of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, SSgt. Joseph Villanueva of La Castellana, PFC Ramonito Occena III of Sipalay City, Cpl. Ariel Arquio of Cauayan, and Corporal Arjhay Baroa of San Carlos City, all in Negros Occidental.

The first anniversary of the Marawi siege was marked yesterday, May 23, by the Philippine Army top officials led by Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo, Army Vice Commander, at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City.

There were 165 soldiers and cops who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 5-month long battle to free Marawi City from the hands of Daesh-inspired Maute terrorists.

The six slain Negrense soldiers were laid to rest in their respective hometowns near their families, while some were interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

While the battle they have fought may have long been over, Arevalo said, “The peace we now enjoy is the fruit of their heroism”.

A total of 641 soldiers, who had fought against the Maute group in Marawi, were also promoted to the next higher rank.

Of the 641 promoted enlisted personnel, 36 are ranked Master Sergeants, 98 are Technical Sergeants, 103 are Staff Sergeants, 193 are Sergeants, and 211 are Corporals.

During the donning of ranks at Fort Bonifacio on May 21, the promoted Army soldiers were given honor and recognition for their sacrifices during the government’s campaign to free Marawi from the terrorist group.

“You put your lives on the line and you did not fail your country, all in the name of service,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/25/topstory6.htm