Soldier who died rescuing MV Trisha Kerstin 3 passengers honored
By Liza Jocson
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Heroic soldier Staff Sgt. Windel Sabuyas was posthumously honored with a Bronze Cross Medal and rendered departure honors at the Edwin Andrews Airbase here on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The award was presented to his widow, Jenelyn Sabuyas, to honor his bravery and valor during the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan last Jan. 26.
Windel was spotted by survivors risking his own life by assisting other passengers in wearing life vests while he himself was not wearing one.
His body was found at the wreck site last Sunday, Feb. 15, and brought to Camp Arturo T. Enrile in Malagutay, Zamboanga City where vigil honors were held.
His remains were transported aboard a Philippine Air Force NC 212 aircraft for Tuguegarao City where arrival honors were also rendered. Full honors were conducted in Lasam, Cagayan, his hometown.