Two soldiers who died in a Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, encounter were simultaneously laid to rest in separate venues and given full military honors on Saturday, November 20.
Army troops together with family and friends buried Corporal Biencent John Trero at Angel’s Memorial Park in Kabankalan City, while Private Cesar Ian Eleuterio was laid to rest at the Brgy Jaena Norte public cemetery in Jamindan, Capiz.
Trero and Eleuterio of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion paid the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Sitio Tiyos, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, an Army press release said.
A gun salute was also held at the burial and the Philippine flags, which were draped over Trero and Elueterio’s caskets, were handed over to their families at the end of the ceremony.
“We condole with the family of late Cpl. Trero and Pvt. Eleuterio. On behalf of 79IB and the whole Philippine Army, we proudly salute you for your patriotism and heroism. Rest assured that your sacrifices will never be in vain as we vow to be more relentless in our effort to end the local armed conflict in Northern Negros. May your souls rest in peace,” Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 79IB commander, said.*