The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined Muslim Filipinos in celebrating Eidl'l Adha or the "Feast of Sacrifice" on Tuesday, July 20.
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff, said the essense of Eid'l Adha was evident when several Muslim civilians sacrificed their own safety and risked their lives in rescuing the soldiers aboard the C-130 cargo plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that crashed in Patikul, Sulu more than two weeks ago.
"The nobility of this Feast was remarkably demonstrated in the people who responded to the survivors of the C-130 mishap in Sulu," Sobejana said.
Twenty-seven Tausugs were recognized by the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu after they rushed to the crash site moments after the plane carrying 96 soldiers crashed in Barangay Bangkal on July 4.
The responders are militiamen who belong to the 8th Civilian Active Auxiliary Company (8CAAC) under the command of the AFP's 5th Special Force Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion.
For their actions that led to the safe extraction and rescue of 20 soldiers from the crash site, the civilian responders were recommended to be awarded with a Bronze Cross Medal.
The Bronze Cross Medal is a military decoration awarded to military and civilian personnel of the AFP for their "voluntary action in the face of great danger above and beyond the call of duty, or other deeds eviddenced by extraordinary bravery not involving direct combat with the enemy."
The military chief paid tribute to the responders who have "shown solidarity with us in one of the most tragic accidents our organization."
"We thank you wholeheartedly and vow to repay your kindness by continuing to put our lives on the line in ensuring the peaceful celebration of Eid'l Adha," Sobejana noted.
President Duterte has declared July 20 as a regular holiday across the country in observance of Eid'l Adha, which is considered as one of the most important holidays in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmail (Ishmael), as an act of obedience to Allah's (God) command.
"As we continue to face unprecedented challenges, we hope that every Muslim both here and elsewhere can find the time and space to strengthen our faith and spirit, to triumph over despair, and embrace a life dedicated to the service of those who are in need," Sobejana said.