Galido denounces attack that killed 2 Army soldiers in Basilan
Lt. General Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), strongly condemned the ambush perpetrated by still unidentified lawless elements which killed two soldiers of the 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB) in Tuburan, Basilan.
Galido visited the remains of Sergeant Reymark Bastion and Corporal Jordan Daquipel at St. Peter Funeral Homes in Zamboanga City on Sunday, April 13, to pay his last respects to the fallen troops.
The two soldiers died during an ambush by unknown assailants in Barangay Dugaa last April 11.
According to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), Bastion and Daquipel were riding separate motorcycles when they were peppered with bullets by gunmen who were waiting for them along the road.
“It is with deep sorrow and utmost respect that we honor the ultimate sacrifice of our brave soldiers who died protecting the people of Basilan. We strongly condemn this heinous act and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for our fallen heroes,” Galido said.
The ambush also injured another soldier, Corporal Richivie Flores, who is recuperating at the West Metro Medical Center (WMMC) in Zamboanga City after undergoing emergency surgery.
In a separate visit, Galido awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal to Flores in recognition of his courage and heroism in the line of duty.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of Westmincom, said the command is working closely with relevant authorities to identify and bring to justice those behind the ambush.
Security operations have been intensified in the area to ensure the safety of the public and prevent similar incidents, he noted.
Meanwhile, Galido and Nafarrete assured the families of the wounded and the fallen of continued support from PA and WestMinCom.
“The Philippine Army remains committed to upholding the morale and welfare of its personnel—ensuring mission success and providing the highest level of support to soldiers and their families, in both times of peace and adversity, as they carry out their duty to serve the people and secure the land,” Galido said.