Till bullets do us part: A soldier's love story

MILITARY COUPLE. 1st Lt Francis Damian and his wife, Lt Junior Grade Aemy Leslie Campos-Damian, pose for a souvenir photo during the baptismal rites of their 7-month old daughter on September 8, 2013, two weeks before his tragic death in Zamboanga City. (Photo by LtJG Aemy Leslie Campos-Damian)

IT REQUIRES a strong heart with titanium tenacity to love a warrior of peace.  A soldier’s life is always fraught with danger and worry to his family, especially to his or her partner. 

The love story of 1st Lt Francis Damian, 28, and his lovely wife, Lt Junior Grade Aemy Campos-Damian, 28, is a love story that was ended by the atrocities initiated by the armed followers of  a faction of Moro National Liberation Front headed by Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City.

It was early morning on September 24, 2013 when he died fighting in an urban terrain in Santa Barbara Village of the 'Latin City of the south'.  A single bullet from an entrenched enemy pierced through his helmet, sending fragments that fractured his skull.

That day, his wife’s mettle was tested.

Career

They attended the Philippine Military Academy together, graduating in the same year as members of the PMA Class of 2007.

Since cadetship, they had different preferences.

As a child, she was always fascinated with sea adventures. A native of Zamboanga City, the sights of colorful vintas and the seemingly unreachable horizons of the Sulu Sea influenced her decision to join the Philippine Navy.

Meanwhile, Damian followed the footsteps of his father by joining the Army infantry. Aside from being a PMA graduate himself, the elder Damian was a US Army Ranger course graduate and a distinguished officer of the defunct Philippine Constabulary.

Since childhood, he had seen the action photos of his proud father who had served in the frontlines as a combat leader. He had always wanted to be like him. He wanted to outdo him by voluntarily joining the Army’s elite unit, the Special Operations Command.

In 2010, he attended the Scout Ranger School where he earned his ‘Musang’ (Scout Ranger) tab.

They found themselves madly in love a couple of years after their graduation. 

In 2012, they decided to be married ‘secretly’, a memorable event that was witnessed only by a few handpicked ‘mistahs’ (classmates).

In 2013, they bore a child, a beautiful daughter that would become the center of their affection.

Family life

Like any other military couple, they were constantly separated hundred of miles away.

She was assigned as the Public Affairs Officer of the Philippine Navy forces in Western Mindanao while her husband was serving at SOCOM in Fort Magsaysay.

Their daughter stayed with her in Zamboanga City.

Phone calls and emails have kept their relationship intact. They took turns in spending short vacations to spend bonding moments as a family.

The last time they spent such a vacation together was during the baptism of their child on September 8, 2013.

Aemy said that both of them understood their unique situation.

“We agreed on things as a couple. I get used to be away from him but we always find ways to maintain our relationship healthy,” she said.

She said that though she is also a soldier like him, she also is struggling to cope with the hardships of being away from her husband.

“Due to the nature of his job in the Army, he was always assigned away from me. When our daughter was born, he was not there to see me.”

A typical gung-ho soldier, she said that Francis always wanted to pursue specialized military training.

“I did not interfere in his own life as an Army officer. I always supported his career plans including his intent to undergo Special Forces training after finishing his Airborne training.”

When she was assigned to the naval unit in Zamboanga City, it was time for them to be separated by distance again.

They decided to raise their child in Zamboanga City where she stayed with her parents. He stayed with his unit in Camp Aguinaldo, the staging area for any combat missions.

Last ‘long’ 30 minutes

A few days before his graduation at the Airborne school, more or less 200 heavily-armed followers of Nur Misuari attacked Zamboanga City, taking innocent civilians as hostage.

A few days later, his unit was sent to reinforce the troops who confronted the gunmen who used human shields while trading bullets with the security forces.

She said that he had told her that he wanted to drop from Airborne training just to join his unit in Zamboanga City.

“When he consulted me about his intention to drop from Airbone school, I objected. I wanted him to finish it and earn the badge because he only has a few days to go,” said Aemy.

She said that Francis would call him many times a day to get updates.

“He was very worried because we might be affected by the hostilities. I initially declined because the hostage-takers were actually occupying a village several kilometers away from our home,” she said.

“I was surprised one day when some of his soldiers knocked on my door to evacuate me and my daughter to my billeting area inside camp. By that time, the firefights were becoming intense everyday and there were many casualties reported by the media making him more worried.”

Without waiting for his graduation day, he arrived in Zamboanga City on board a C130 flight on September 20.

She said that he visited them (she and her daughter) inside the naval post to spend 30 minutes of his spare time before his insertion to the frontlines in Bgy. Sta Catalina.

“He was already wearing his combat attire. He was so excited to be with us especially with our daughter who barely knew him.”

“He was taking videos and photos of our child. He carried her and kissed her again and again. Then, he hugged us both before leaving for his first combat action against Misuari’s forces. 

Worries

Since Day 1 of his husband’s deployment, she could not control her own worries about him. The number of fatalities and wounded grew each day.

“Everytime there is an update on the tally of AFP casualties, I am hesitant to look at the names. I don’t want to see his name.”

Then, one by one, he saw familiar names including a friend, 1st Lt Carl Liwanag, who was wounded in the intense battles.

She said that occasionally, Francis would send her messages during lulls in fighting.

“Mommy, please send me new pairs of socks. Yung Biofresh ha,” she quoted him as saying.

She searched for stores that sell socks but almost all of them were closed down for fear of the attackers,  so she sent him her own socks.

Later in the day, Francis would send short text messages telling her that he was ‘okay’.

“Mommy, I have already received the package. Happy feet uli ako,” he said in a text message.

She managed to monitor his location through the daily updates  that were reflected on the map. She said that she didn’t bother to ask about his situation so that he could stay focused on his mission.

“During lull moments, we talked about our family life. We discussed things about our daughter and our vacation plans,” she said, holding back tears. 

"I never asked him about his situation in the frontlines though I always had an idea due to my military background. I didn't want to disturb him and lose his focus on his delicate mission."

Shattered dreams

It was early morning on September 24 that she monitored the name of the latest casualty.

She didn’t want to believe the name that she heard: 1st Lt Francis Damian. WIA (Wounded In Action).

She rushed to the hospital where he was brought. He had a gaping  head wound. The attending physician didn’t want to show her the extent of his injury.

He was already unconscious and unresponsive. She knew that her worst fear was about to come.

About 3 hours later, he was pronounced dead. She faced her worst nightmare.
 
“It is like our dreams were all shattered. I knew it is hard to accept reality; but, I am a soldier. Duty first.”

She gathered up her courage to help her face the reality that her beloved husband had passed away and it is now up to her to raise their daughter.  She knew that she is all that their little baby has.

Donning her black mourning outfit, she proudly stood beside his casket like any dutiful wife would do. 

FAMILY MEMBERS. The members of the PMA Class 2007 are somewhat close to me because I had mentored them since their plebehood. Aside from our coaching sessions during marksmanship training, I also took time to share my leadership experience that would guide them in their future roles as military leaders. (Photos by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)
 

Victims

The fate of the Damian couple is just an example of how war and unrest can ruin lives and dreams.  These are the types of struggles that a soldier and his family might deal with sooner or later.  Lucky are those soldiers who go move on through their lives to become retirees.

Aemy wants to spend a leave up to her husband’s birthday on November 10.

She wants to raise her daughter all by herself , with the help of her loving family. She intends to be assigned elsewhere than Zamboanga to forget her bad experience and to able to recover from her painful loss.

A single bullet has separated them eternally. But, their love would last forever. 

Six armed followers of Misuari die in Zambo City clash

Pagkatapos na mailipat sa Philippine National Police and lead role sa security operations sa Zamboanga City, nagtangkang pumuslit ang anim na tauhan ni Nur Misuari mula sa security cordon ng security forces sa mga lugar sa Sta Barbara-Sta Catalina, sa lungsod ng Zamboanga noong Linggo, ika-29 ng Setyembre . 

Sila ay dahan-dahang gumagapang sa likuran ng mga nasirang bahayan at naghahanap ng malusutan. Lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, ang linaw ng paningin ng mga police snipers na naka-pwesto sa mga strategic locations para bantayan ang kanilang galaw. 

Dakong 10:00am sa araw na iyon  nang nagkapalitan ng putok ang dalawang panig. Pilit nilang lumaban kahit dehado ang kanilang posisyon. 

Umabot din sa humigit kumulang na dalawang oras bago silang lahat ay bumulagta sa kanilang pinagpwestuhan.

Ito ang patunay na posible pa ring magkaroon ng maliitang bakbakan sa mga barangay sa coastal area malapit sa mga naturang barangay dahil sa presensya ng maliit na bilang ng kanilang hanay na patago-tago sa lugar. 

Natagpuan ng mga pulis at mga sundalo ng 44th Infantry Battalion ang anim na bangkay ng mga tauhan ni Nur Misuari at pati na rin ang anim na  matataas na kalibre ng baril kagaya ng M14 Rifle at M16 Rifles. Halos wala nang bala ang natitira sa kanilang bandoleer.
 

Pumuslit si Malik?

Isang kamukha ni Malik ang nakita ng mga sundalo ngunit di pa napag-alaman kung talagang siya ang naturang napatay sa engkwentro.Matatandaang narekober ng militar ang mga ID cards ni Habier Malik sa bangkay ng isang napatay na kanyang tauhan 3 araw na ang nakaraan. 

 Ugong-ugong sa Zamboanga City ang mga tsismis na nakapuslit na si Malik. Ayon naman sa iba, posible itong nasawi. 

Kahit ano man ang nangyari ke Malik, nasa kanya ang burden of proof ng kanyang disposisyon. Actually, mahirap din ang kanyang kalagayan. 

Kung manahimik na lang sya at hindi umiimik, sasabihin ng kanyang mga tauhan na bumahag ang kanyang buntot sa labanan at nang-iwan sya sa gitna ng labanan. Kung ganon, mawalan sya ng kredibilidad sa kanyang mga kinasasakupan. 

Kung itago ng kanilang hanay ang katotohanang namatay nga sya sa bakbakan mga iilang araw na ang nakaraan, malagay din sila sa alanganin. Hahanapin sya ng kanyang mga tauhan na me malaking respeto sa kanila. Pag malaman nilang itinatago ang katotohanan sa kanyang pagkamatay, lalo silang magagalit kay Nur Misuari na syang nag-udyok sa kanila upang atakehin ang Zamboanga City.

Lokohan

Marami sa mga sumukong mga tauhan ni Misuari ang naghayag ng kanilang pagkadismaya dahil sa panloloko diumano na ginawa sa kanila upang sila ay mag-tungo sa Zamboanga bitbit ang kanilang armas. 

"Sinabihan kami na bibigyan kami ng pera kung sasama sa peace caravan dito sa Zamboanga. Iyon pala, gyera naman puntahan namin," ayon kay Commander Mizbah Baladji, 79, isang babaeng MNLF na nahimok para sa naturang military adventurism.

Ganon din ang mga rebelasyon ng iilan sa mga miyembro kagaya ni Commander Yahya na sumuko kasama ang 5 nyang mga tauhan na halos hinihimatay na sa sobrang pagod at gutom pagkatapos ng iilang araw ng bakbakan laban sa mga Rangers.

"Sa mga kasamahan ko na andyan pa sa loob, mag-isip na kayo. Tingnan nyo ang nangyari sa amin," sabi nya, sa kanyang panawagan sa mga kasamahan na nasa grupo pa ni Malik ng mga panahong iyon.

2nd Lt Florencio Mikael Meneses: Salute to a warrior

We have another fallen warrior in the person of 2nd Lt Florencio Mikael Meneses, 27 of Bgy Tibag, Pulilan, Bulacan. 

He was fighting for his life after being shot in the abdomen during an intense firefight with the armed followers of Nur Misuari in Lustre Street, Sta Catalina on September 21. 

He died due to 'renal failure' at 4:00am on Monday (Sep 23).

He joined the military service as a cadet of the Philippine Military Academy on April 1, 2007. 

He graduated and was subsequently commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Philippine Army on 06 March 2011.

I was among those who received him in the Army headquarters  after the completion of their pre-deployment training sometime in the 2nd quarter of that same year. 

He joined the First Scout Ranger Regiment and immediately took the rigorous Scout Ranger Course which he finished in October 2012. 

After graduation, he was immediately assigned to the battlegrounds in Basilan where he saw action against Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the area. 

A serious person, Meneses was respected not only by his subordinates but also by his peers. 

Cpt Leonard del Rosario, the Company Commander of the 9th Scout Ranger Company, shared that Meneses doesn't love to drink alcohol but he occasionally joined the troops during unit-sanctioned social gatherings. 

When his company,the 7th Scout Ranger (In Hoc Signo Vinces) Company was informed of an impending mission in Zamboanga two weeks ago, he was very excited. To lead people in battle is always a Scout Ranger's dream. He saw it as an opportunity to prove his worth as a Musang.

Cpt Arvin Llenaresas, the Commanding Officer of the 7th SRC said that Meneses was 'very snappy'. 

"He is reliable both in administrative functions and also in combat. I have full confidence in him because of his positive leadership traits," said Llenaresas whom I talked to during the lull of the fighting in Sta Catalina today. 

Brave leader

Llenaresas recalled that he was leading his company to assault a cluster of houses when he last saw Meneses alive. 

"I was leading a section of soldiers in front, followed by my Ex-O and Mike (Meneses) who was trailing behind with his men. He was focused and in control despite the hail of bullets that greeted us," said Llenaresas. 

"The fighting was so intense that we found ourselves only 5-10 meters away from the enemies who were positioned behind loopholes."

"We took turns providing support by fire to allow the maneuver of our exposed soldiers when I saw him blooded with a gunshot wound in the stomach."

Llenaresas said that at least six other soldiers were also injured but they pressed the fight, downing the enemies. 

"I ordered my men to provide suppression fire as we evacuated those who were wounded amidst the enemies' interdiction fires that injured more soldiers. We were able to bring Mike to the casualty collection point and he was promptly brought to the hospital for treatment," said Llenaresas who was also with Meneses during the rescue of 34 hostages on September 19. 

Sound of taps

Llenaresas said that he was saddened upon learning that his Platoon Leader met with the Creator.

"He was like my younger brother. That is how I treat all my soldiers in the company. I couldn't even send him off due to the continuous rescue missions," he said. 

I can only relate to Llenaresas. I understand what he felt. 

We are a band of brothers in the Scout Ranger family. 

We fully understand the dangers of our profession. 

We are aware that anytime, we will be sent to dangerous combat missions to protect the people. 

We are always ready to offer our lives in order to accomplish the mission.

We are Scout Rangers! We strike!

Taps is sounded.

Military updates: 9/24/13

I took this photo of the Liguasan marsh in Central Mindanao during my visit here early this year. I once served as a combat leader in this area in the late 90's.

I started my day hearing some bad news from Central Mindanao today. 

At 6:30am, an improvised bomb was detonated by unknown perpetrators near a military outpost in Pinantao village, Parang town in Maguindanao. Two innocent civilians were wounded including Abraham Tiburon and Erlinda Bulagues, both 54 yrs old. Investigators from both the AFP and PNP have inspected the site of the blast. 

At 7:30am, heavily armed gunmen led by  Sukarno Husain and a certain Commander Brudy attacked the processing plant of Delenanas Banana Plantation in Sitio Mangco, Dungos, Tulunan, Cotabato. Army troops were sent to defend the civilians who are employed in the said banana plantation.

At 8:00am, Army soldiers found the decapitated body of Mr Ricardo Dionio in Dimapulot village in Midsayap town. Another victim, Mr Erwin Viloan was found in Sitio Babonao, Bgy Agriculture of the same town.

The series of attacks had started about 3 weeks ago. The perpetrators are believed to be part of the 'spoilers' of the peace process, particularly the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that is currently worked out by the peace negotiators from the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

The soldiers are deployed to defend the communities and serve as a credible deterrence against armed threats who intend to derail the peace process. 

Soldiers have remained committed in observing the primacy of the peace process. 

We are one with the people in their ultimate goal of attaining lasting peace for their children and future generations. 

BIFF abducts 16 people during Midsayap clash, leaves 3 soldiers dead

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato--- Sixteen people were abducted including 13 school teachers during the series of attacks perpetrated by the members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Polangoguen village here at 8:35am on Monday (Sep 23). The simultaneous attacks commenced at about 8:30am in the villages of Polangoguen and Tuwal where the troops of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Army's 6th Infantry Division were conducting security operations. One soldier was killed while another one was injured in the fierce fighting that ensued. As troop reinforcements arrived, the attackers gradually retreated.  Fearing for their lives, some civilian residents including school teachers sought refuge in Sitio Malingao. Unfortunately, they were taken hostage by the fleeing bandits who were pursued by the soldiers, leading to a stand-off. To avoid hitting the innocent civilians who were used as human shields, the military commander sent a village councilman named Datu Try to negotiate for the release of the hostages.   The captors agreed to release all of the trapped residents including four out of 13 school teachers who were held at gunpoint together with 4 village officials.  The gunmen retreated with the rest of their captives towards their hideouts in the Liguasan Marsh.  There were series of clashes that occurred during the day involving the blocking forces of the BIFF.  The soldiers spotted dead gunmen who were dragged by their companions as they fled. The Army accounted 3 soldiers dead and two wounded in action (WIA) as of 5:00pm. Pfc Jesson Ponsica, one of the slightly wounded soldiers opted to remain with his team after being treated by the Army's combat medics. He joined the relentless pursuit operations conducted by the Army. At around 4:45am today (Sep 24), the remaining hostages (9 school teachers and 4 village councilmen) were released by their captors in Sambulawan village.  A local official here fetched the hostages and brought them to Amado Hospital in the town for medical check-up. Pursuit operations against the hostage-takers are still ongoing. The Army headquarters in Camp Siongco has lowered its flag in half-mast to honor the soldiers who died heroically to save the hostages.

Honoring the fallen warriors: The heroes of Zamboanga siege

We started counting the number of casualties in Zamboanga City since Day 1 of the hostilities (September 9, 2013). 

The battle for public opinion had also erupted in the social media as Misuari's supporters bombarded Twitter and Facebook with images and messages that spread false information.

There were stupid claims by Misuari's supporters  and spokespeople about the death of 500 soldiers in the hands of Malik and his gang. Ano sila hilo? That is almost half of the troop strength in Zamboanga!

It was an obvious propaganda but the widely-spread false information had caused panic among the soldiers' relatives. 

Ito ang halimbawa ng propaganda material ng mga fans ni Prof Nur Misuari. Napakahalatang pinatungan lang ng caption ang TV grab ng news report tungkol sa fallen warriors ng Philippine Marine Corps noong 2011. Iyong mga kulang lang din sa pinag-aralan ang kayang maloko sa ganitong simple-simpleng propaganda material.

The AFP doesn't and could not hide its battle-casualties. Pwede ba naman yon? 

We honor our soldiers and their family members. Sa panahon ng social media, di maitatago ang casualties. We follow the principle of accountability and transparency. Gets nyo mga fans ni Prof Misuari?

In this regard, allow me to honor the deeds of our fallen warriors. 

First heroes

PO3 Jose Audrey Banares of Lapu-lapu City, a Philippine Navy Seal, was the first fatality of the armed conflict when he perished in the first recorded clash with Misuari's heavily armed followers in Rio Hondo village.

Sent to check the presence of heavily armed men in that village, the small team of the Navy's elite unit proceeded to the area at midnight on September 9.

They found themselves in the middle of a heavy firefight with at least 150 armed men at around 1:00am. They were overwhelmed but never subdued. They fought up to the last drop of their blood.

Though wounded on his face and upper extremities, Lt Junior Grade Llewilyn Abian, the leader of the patrol, was able to effectively control his men while executing a break contact to save the whole team from being routed by the enemy forces. 

They fought bravely despite their wounds and came back alive: PO2 Renato Ricafrente, PO3 Melvin Cledera,  PO3 John Martinez and PO3 Arturo Balaus and also Lt SG Abian. 

These brave soldiers were the first casualties of the conflict that was ignited by the group of Nur Misuari, who according to his Spokespersons, are supposed to attend a peace rally and hoist the MNLF flag in the seat of Zamboanga City government. 

They are now recuperating from their wounds.

Sporadic fighting

To confront the loyal forces of Nur Misuari, the local military commander promptly deployed troops around Zamboanga City. The intent was to protect the civilians and thwart his armed followers from taking the heart of the city.

There were sporadic fighting in at least 3 villages including Sta Catalina, Talon-talon, Sta Barbara and Kasanyangan. Among the first responders include the 32nd Infantry Battalion and the 23rd Marine Company.

The first Muslim to die in the battles that ensued was Pfc Julmuin Abdulalahid of Indanan, Sulu. Kakaiba ba? Yes, isang Tausug na nakipaglaban sa kapwa Tausug dahil sya ay isang Kawal Pinoy!

Showing his loyalty to the Philippine flag, he courageously fought against Misuari's forces who advanced towards Sta Barbara village at around 8:30pm on September 11. 

Three days later (September 14), Pfc Jeffrey Castillo of the 23rd Marine Company, died fighting against Misuari's followers who tried to control Kasanyangan village. Naitaboy ang mga tauhan ni Misuari dala ang kanilang mga patay na kasamahan dahil sa katapangan nina Castillo. Oooorah!

SOCOM Heroes

The arrival of the elite forces from the Army's Special Operations Command was welcomed with jubilation by the people of Zamboanga. 

Highly-trained both in counter-guerilla warfare and fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA), the warriors of SOCOM were deployed to confront the largest group of Misuari's forces in Sta Catalina and Sta Barbara villages. 

Unflinching of the delicate missions, they courageously pressed the fight despite the use of human shields by Misuari's armed men. 

Using selective fires to avoid hitting non-combatants, they courageously advanced despite the fact that bullets rained on them.

On September 15, Cpl Mark Herson Caranzo of Burgos, Isabela died while fighting against heavily armed men who were hiding behind the hostages. Mandirigma ba talaga tawag sa nagtatago sa likuran ng mga babae at matatandang bihag?

Cpl Michael Baltazar, a Batangueno, died of gunshot wounds while fighting in a built-up area in Sta Catalina at around 4:00pm on September 16. 

After evacuating Baltazar to the casualty collection point, the troops continued its advance to engage Misuari's followers, downing several of them. 

The effective use of human shields was the major obstacle that the SOCOM troopers had to hurdle. They could not use automatic fires and heavy-caliber weapons. The safety of the hostages was always on their mind. Our soldiers have the International Humanitarian Law in mind. I am proud of them. Ganyan ang astig!

In the continuous firefight that day (September 16), Pfc Albin Dayna of Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte and Pvt Sergio Buagas of Libungan Cotabato died after an improvised bomb exploded near their position. 

The clashes occurred on a daily basis as the troops of SOCOM close-in and continue its advance on known strongholds used by Misuari's followers. Napapahirapan sila dahil sa nagtatago ang mga nagpapakilalang mujahideens ni Malik sa likuran ng kaawa-awang hostages. 

Panoorin, ang news report tungkol sa mga civilian hostages sa link na ito:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/09/17/13/mnlf-used-us-human-shields-hostages-say

Committed to end the fight, the soldiers continued its mission: slowly but surely. One village at a time. One building after the other. One room at a time. Mahirap ata ang Close Quarters Combat. Try mo sa video games gaya ng Counter Strike di ba duguan ka rin! 

At around 6:30pm on September 17, two SOCOM troopers, Cpl Allan Camerino and Pfc Jay Olivar,  offered their lives to perform their mission of freeing the hostages. Thirty four (34) hostages were freed and reunited with their loved ones. 

Early morning the next day, they were able to free another 64 hostages after a fierce clash with their captors in one of the buildings where they were being kept. Isa sa tagapagsalita ni Misuari ay nagsabing 'ni-release' nila ang mga hostages. Tama sana yon kung ang nangyari ay sa Manila lang ang mga sundalo at pinakawalan na lang nila ang hostages at magsipag-balikan na lang sila sa Sulu. Ganon ang 'released' di ba, wala nang bakbakan at pagdanak ng dugo?

Due to the continuous military pressure, the followers of Misuari were gradually demoralized. Twenty three of them surrendered to the police. Di naman totally nakakahiya ang sumuko. Parehas tayong Pilipino. Ang mga Kano nga dito sa Pinas eh sumurender sa mga Hapon noong World War 2!

Later in the afternoon, another six yielded to the Army after being cornered after trying to escape using the underground waterways. They revealed that they were low in ammunition and food supplies. They were treated humanely in accordance to the laws of armed conflict. Di namin sila ginagaya na hindi kumikilala ng laws of war.

The presence of courageous troops who stormed their hiding places brought them fear. They opted to surrender than die. 

On September 19, the troops continued its advance to clear the remaining strongholds used by Malik and his men. The soldiers were trying to find the exact location of the estimated 20 hostages that remained in their hands. 

Leading from the front, an officer paid the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save the hostages during the occasion of his wife's birthday. 

                             

     

1st Lt John Kristopher Rama, 30, of Norzagaray, Bulacan was a top-caliber officer who was endeared for his kindness and simplicity. He left behind a 2-year old daughter.

Rama became the 10th fatality in the armed conflict that also claimed at least 96 lives of Misuari's followers and 8 civilians. 

AFP benefits

All of the soldiers who died or wounded in battles receive financial support from the government in honor of their selfless services. 

The dependents of those who were killed in action (KIA) will receive several financial assistance (SFA) from the Presidential Management Staff amounting to P250,000.00. Those who are wounded in action receive the amount of either P50,000.00 (minor injuries) and P100,000.00 (major injuries).

The Army is also providing SFA based on the soldier's monthly salary and length of service, aside from the funeral service support amounting to P50,000.000.

Financial institutions like PAFCIPIC and MBAI are also providing assistance to their members.

The children of the fallen soldiers also receive educational grants based on Republic Act 6963 that provides for a free tuition fee and allowance for them under the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO). 

Non-government organizations like the Hero Foundation is also providing allowance amounting to P5,000.00 for elementary; P8,000.00 for high school and P16,000.00.

To see my press statements about these benefits, please click the link below:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/09/20/13/afp-offers-prayers-slain-cops-soldiers-zambo

Note: There are at least 115 wounded soldiers as of September 20, 2013. We honor all of them. We will pray for their fast recovery.