GUMAYAT'S remains arrive in Kalinga. (FB)
A soldier was killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army in Barangay Apao, Tineg, Abra in Monday, July 20.
The fatality was identified as Corporal Drexler Gumayat of the 50th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Gumayat’s remains arrived on Tuesday, July 21, at the headquarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga, where he was accorded military honors before being escorted to his home in Barangay San Pablo, Tabuk City.
Security, pursuit, and clearing operations are ongoing to ensure the safety of communities from the fleeing rebels.
Brig. Gen. Rhenante Salvador, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, paid tribute to Gumayat.
“I offer my highest salute to Drexler because he sacrificed himself for the entire 50th Infantry Battalion during that encounter,” Salvador said.
“Drexler is a hero because he fought for peace. He had no personal connection to Abra because he was not from there, yet he chose to serve its people and help them achieve the peace they have long desired. He is a hero to all of us,” he added.
Salvador condoled with Gumayat’s family and assured them of the military’s continued support.
Troops of the 50th IB under the 503rd Infantry Brigade engaged 10 remnants of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee of the NPA at 12:15 p.m. on July 19 in Sitio Ambalag, Barangay Lan-ag, Lacub, Abra. Two soldiers were wounded.
The rebels fled, prompting pursuit operations that led to the second encounter in Tineg, where Gumayat was killed.